Strategic Processes
Much more empirical attention has been devoted to the strategic processes associated with social movement framing.
Four basic alignment processes have been identified and researched: frame bridging, frame amplification, frame extension, and frame transformation.
Frame bridging refers to the linking of two or more ideologically congruent but structurally unconnected frames regarding a particular issue or problem.
Frame amplification involves the idealization, embellishment, clarification, or invigoration of existing values or beliefs.
Frame extension entails depicting an SMO's interests and frame(s) as extending beyond its primary interests to include issues and concerns that are presumed to be of importance to potential adherents.
Frame transformation, the final strategic alignment process, refers to changing old understandings and meanings and/or generating new ones. Few movement studies deal explicitly with this form of frame alignment.