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Framing

Framing is the thought process people use to define a situation and decide how they are going to deal with it. Often different people will frame a the same situation very differently, depending on their history and their points of view.
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Interests, Rights, Power, and Needs Frames
These four terms define significantly different framings of conflict. It can be seen as a difference of interests, a violation of rights, a question of who is strongest, or a matter of unmet needs.
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Fact Frames
Facts do not speak for themselves. The same information from different sources, or received by different people, can lead to very different conclusions. One's "fact frames" determine what is believed and how that determines one's choices about what to do.
Summary Articles: From Beyond Intractability Project
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Identity Frames
Identity frames include ideas about who one is, what characteristics they share with their group(s) and how they do and should related to others. These frames are frequently sources of conflict.
Summary Articles: From Beyond Intractability Project
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Into-the-Sea Framing
When a conflict becomes intractable, many people hope that their enemy will simply disappear. They pursue overwhelming victory without ever really considering the fact that they will still have to live with their enemies after the conflict.
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Worst-Case / Loss-Oriented Framing
When confronted with change, it is common for people to look first, and often exclusively, at the risks and potential downsides, while simultaneously under-rating potential benefits.
Summary Articles: From Beyond Intractability Project
Recommended References: From Beyond Intractability Project

Process Frames
To a hammer, all the world is a nail. People tend to apply their own skills to working out a conflict, i.e. someone in the military pursues military solutions, diplomats pursue diplomatic solutions, and mediators pursue mediation. While this is usually a sensible division of labor, it can also distort choices if people from one procedural frame dominate the process and other options are not considered.
Summary Articles: From Beyond Intractability Project
Recommended References: From Beyond Intractability Project
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Reframing
Bernard Meyer wrote, "The art of reframing is to maintain the conflict in all its richness but to help people look at it in a more open-minded and hopeful way."
Summary Articles: From Beyond Intractability Project
Recommended References: From Beyond Intractability Project
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Stereotypes / Characterization Framing
Stereotypes are simplified, and often highly inaccurate, images of the motivations and behaviors of others. When in error, they can lead to and escalate conflicts.
Summary Articles: From Beyond Intractability Project
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