Framing Analysis of 2009 Post-election Events in Iran

This study investigates the interaction between the leaders of social movements and public in the context of 2009 post-election events in Iran. For this aim, framing analysis approach was used as an analytical tool to capture the modification in framings in different stages of the movement. This approach puts an emphasis the importance of interpretive frameworks in shaping people’s perception of the situation and also the impact of leadership on mobilizing the public. A qualitative content analysis of the texts of the speeches and statements made by the movement leaders in a two-year period was conducted. This article divides the framings of the movement into three distinct periods and describes the characteristics of each one in details. The results show how the dynamics of a movement alonga social event can affectits leaders and subsequently make them modify their framings.