The Overton Window

The Overton Window is a central position used to identify common ground. With extreme positions listed at the top and bottom or left and right, and more acceptable, or agreeable solutions in the center the window focuses on what will be accepted without recourse. It is particularly useful for politicians to determine if their stances are too radical for a particular constituency.

In order to determine the window, options are listed along a spectrum from one radical end to the other The politician then determines a window of what his electorate will accept. The window can and does shift over time to reflect current values. It can also be manipulated.

The window is a reactive device; Instead of leaders the Overton Window creates followers.

The concept is also useful for administrators to determine whether policies will be accepted or rebuked. My fictional character, Kurt Hunter from my Backwater series uses the Overton Window to determine how to handle the problems in Biscayne National Park

An example from Backwater Squall would be:

1. Close the entire park to all boaters
2. Close large areas to boaters
3. Require permits for access
4. Close certain areas to all boaters
5. Educate boaters as to the detriments of certain activities
6. Allow unfettered boater access

This is a short list of options but it is clear what Kurt can get away with. In this case the Overton Window would be only two items, number 4 and 5.

Applied to more complex issues like schools and health care the lists will be considerably longer.

The window can also be used as a model to shift public opinion. By starting with an extreme position and continuing to repeat it, the subject group is conditioned toward the extreme and the window is shifted.