The Overton Window

An explainer by Team FP

There are many theories and models that help us to understand why some policy ideas are advanced by decision makers and others aren’t.

One of the most well-known is the Overton Window. This model maps policy options based on their acceptable by the public and assumes that politicians follow, rather than lead policy discussions by largely supporting ideas that sit within a window of acceptability.

What is the Overton window?

The Overton Window is sometimes referred to as the ‘window of political possibility’. This model seeks to describe the types of policy options and ideas that politicians might be receptive to based on their acceptability by the general public.

This approach to thinking about policy change assumes that politicians will only advance policy options or ideas within a range of receptivity. It assumes that politicians will not pursue ideas that are not popular because it risks them losing public support.

How are policy options mapped across the Overton window?

The model maps out policy positions on a spectrum with those that have greater government regulation at one end and those with less government regulation at the other end. It also maps policy options across a spectrum of acceptance.

What is the spectrum of acceptance?

The spectrum of acceptance defines policy ideas across a spectrum from unthinkable to policy. The spectrum maps policy options as being:

• Unthinkable – ideas that are seen as sitting outside of societal norms [politically unacceptable].
• Radical – ideas that sit on the outer of what is acceptable and have limited support [politically unacceptable].
• Acceptable – ideas that the community sees as being possible [politically acceptable].
• Sensible – ideas that are seen as being rational options for consideration.
• Popular – ideas that have broad community support [politically acceptable].
• Policy – these are ideas that get adopted by decision makers [politically acceptable].

Ideas that fit within the Overton Window are those that are ‘acceptable’, ‘sensible’, popular’ and ‘policy’, and those sitting outside the window as ‘radical’ and ‘unthinkable’.

Can the Overton window change over time?

The Overton Window is not static and can change. The window can move, shrink or expand depending on how people feel about the idea at that time. For example, policies that were seen as acceptable in the past, are no longer acceptable now. Also, policies that were not acceptable in the past are now the norm.

Why does this matter to advocates?

The Overton Window moves and changes because of actions taken by people, organisations and movements. People advocating for change play a key role in shifting the policy window to explain how and why policy options and ideas should be progressed. The Overton window shows the power that we hold in advocating for change and setting agendas.

Find out more

The Overton Window – Mackinac Center

Overton window | Political Science, Origin, Examples, Shifts, & Criticism | Britannica

For Purpose delivers training in policy and advocacy. Check out our current training schedule.