Water Privatization as a Social Problem : How is the Problem of Water Privatization Socially Constructed?

Abstract

We investigated water privatization as a social problem from the social constructionist perspective. Much research has been done on the economic and social effects of water privatization, but little has been done to explain why it emerged as a topic of interest beyond those directly affected. Using New York Times news articles, we conducted content analysis looking for key terms that would track the issues and players, and how rhetoric changed over time.