Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
Date of Degree
6-2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Program
Political Science
Advisor
John Mollenkopf
Committee Members
Keena Lipsitz
John Krinsky
Subject Categories
Communication Technology and New Media | Public Policy | Social Media | Urban Studies
Keywords
public policy, social movements, taboo, media, social media, psychedelics
Abstract
This dissertation, titled "Legislating the Taboo: From Subculture to Public Policy," comprises three articles that collectively delve into the intersection of taboo subcultures, political communication, and public policy. While the fields of sociology and anthropology more thoroughly explore the concepts of "taboo" and "subcultures," political science has not given them due attention. This research seeks to bridge this gap by examining how taboo subcultures evolve into political constituencies with policy demands and how these demands are communicated through various mediums, including mainstream and social media.
The first article, "Virtual Dance Communities and The Right to the Internet," investigates how the underground dance music scene adapted to virtual platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring the political dimensions of this subculture's resilience. The second article, "Refreshing the Psychedelic Narrative Policy Image," analyzes the changing landscape of psychedelic drug policy, focusing on the role of activists and media in shaping a positive narrative. The third article, "Game-Framing The Tampon Tax," co-authored with Sara De Benedictis and Kaitlynn Mendes, explores the media framing of the tampon tax debate, revealing the influence of game frames on policy discussions.
A common thread in these articles is the identification of focusing events that propel taboo issues onto policy agendas. The dissertation contributes valuable insights into the political dynamics of taboo subcultures and their implications for policymaking and democracy. The author's personal experiences, rooted in exploring countercultures and organizing underground dance parties, underscore the motivation behind each study, highlighting the interconnectedness of personal interests and academic pursuits.
Recommended Citation
Krisel, Rebecca S., "Legislating the Taboo: Taboo Subcultures, Political Communication, and Public Policy" (2024). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/5851
Included in
Communication Technology and New Media Commons, Public Policy Commons, Social Media Commons, Urban Studies Commons