CLIMATE CHANGE AS COMMON SENSE A framing analysis of party response to climate change in Sweden

Abstract

This paper looks at how the different parties of parliament in Sweden frame the issue of climate change. Based on evidence suggesting that the issue is either politicized or depoliticized, this study investigates the difference in response to what is a common objective – to politically tackle climate change. Drawing upon the theoretical distinctions between a depoliticized and politicized approach found in the literature, I construct a “moderate” and a “radical” typology. These are then applied in a framing analysis looking at debating articles produced by the different parties. The results indicate a predominantly moderate framing of the issue, with the notable exception of the Left Party. I conclude by discussing the implications for the overall (de)politicization of the issue and suggest that they point to a hegemonic configuration of a depoliticized “common sense” conception of climate change.