övertoneläge

The Overton Window is a concept in political science that describes the range of ideas the public will accept. It's often visualized as a spectrum of policy ideas, where some are considered radical, some acceptable, and some mainstream. The "window" represents the range of ideas that are politically viable at any given time.

The window is not static; it can shift over time. This shift can be influenced by a variety of factors, including public opinion, media coverage, and the actions of politicians and activists. When the window shifts, ideas that were once considered extreme can become mainstream, and vice versa. For example, an idea that was once considered radical might become acceptable after prolonged discussion and advocacy. Conversely, an idea that was once mainstream could fall out of favor if it becomes associated with negative events or public sentiment turns against it.

The concept is named after Joseph P. Overton, a former senior vice president at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a free-market think tank. He developed the concept in the 1960s to explain how policy changes could gain traction. The idea is not about persuading politicians on the merits of a policy, but rather about shifting the public's perception of what is considered acceptable policy.

The Overton Window is a tool for understanding how policy debates evolve and how public opinion can shape the political landscape. It highlights the dynamic nature of what is considered politically feasible and the strategies employed to move policy ideas within, or beyond, that perceived acceptable range.