Which group is described as manufacturing public morality through a multi-stage process, starting with problem awareness?

Which group is described as manufacturing public morality through a multi-stage process, starting with problem awareness?

• A. Moral Interpreters
• B. Moral Leaders
• C. Moral Constructionists
• D. Moral Entrepreneurs

Answer: (D)

Moral entrepreneurs are the actors who actively shape what counts as a moral issue and drive a public response. They start by surfacing a problem and framing it as something that threatens society’s values, which creates problem awareness. Then they work to gain legitimacy—persuading authorities, experts, media, and opinion leaders to accept their view and support proposed remedies. With that legitimacy in place, they mobilize others—forming coalitions, rallying resources, and organizing campaigns—to push for concrete changes, such as policies, laws, or programs. Through this sequence, they help establish and reinforce a new public morality, making the issue feel like a legitimate social concern that warrants collective action.

Moral entrepreneurs are the actors who actively shape what counts as a moral issue and drive a public response. They start by surfacing a problem and framing it as something that threatens society’s values, which creates problem awareness. Then they work to gain legitimacy—persuading authorities, experts, media, and opinion leaders to accept their view and support proposed remedies. With that legitimacy in place, they mobilize others—forming coalitions, rallying resources, and organizing campaigns—to push for concrete changes, such as policies, laws, or programs. Through this sequence, they help establish and reinforce a new public morality, making the issue feel like a legitimate social concern that warrants collective action.