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WikiCurve states that issues move through 6 stages of maturation. During each phase, critical events happen that help to shape our attitudes and opinions. They could be as dramatic as an oil spill, an upcoming global Summit or a political event. Even the release of a popular movie can have an impact on opinion development. Click on the stages below to read more about them.
Catalyst
A few people notice something new or have different ideas about the status quo and start talking/writing about it.
Theory development
Different theories are developed by “fringe” groups of activists, academics or others. Specialists talk about the issue and become engaged in theory development, but it doesn’t have much public profile.
Popular interest
The issue starts to come into public awareness, media coverage about the issue starts to spread and bigger more mainstream groups begin to form to advocate on the issue.
Public debate
The issue is becoming important to people and they are talking about it with their friends and family. There is advocacy and pushback from different groups and opinions are being formed through debate.
Policy and regulation
Policy is developed and contested, industry groups might put voluntary regulation into place and attitudes are becoming more fixed.
Mainstream acceptance
The issue is in the mainstream and has become a “norm” and those who hold alternate views are sanctioned for not adopting the requisite values, behaviours, and practices expected.
New events on the curve
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21 children are suing the U.S. government over...
The American federal court is allowing 21 children to sue the government. The children have sued the government in every state, but Oregon is the...
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Australia announces signing of Paris Agreement
Australia to send senior representative to New York to sign the Paris Agreement at the United Nations headquarters on the 22nd of April. France,...
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28% of World Bank investments to be spent on climate...
The World Bank is refocusing its finances on climate change, dedicating 28% of its investments to alleviating the issue. Without major action it is...