Policy Learning Flashcards
1st Learning Order
there is an incremental change in the policy.
adjustments made to make the policy stronger and adapted
(policy maintainance)
2nd Learning Order
radical change of the policy to achieve goals more effectively.
policy succession: policies are replaced by using knowledge from the past
3rd Learning Order
learning helps to change priorities and deeper assumptions by terminating or innovating policies
(challenge the status quo)
Reflexive Learning
Certification of Actors: low
Problem Tractability: low
fundamental policy ideas are discussed based on interactive and deliberative learning processes where multiple actors are involved.
Epistemic Learning
Certification of Actors: high
Problem Tractability: low
topic definition and clarity of what there needs to be learned
Learning in the shadow of hierarchy
Certification of Actors: high
Problem Tractability: high
knowledge elites are involved but politics remains at the top
Learning through bargaining
Certification of Actors: low
Problem Tractability: high
knowledge is strategic and transferred between actors because multiple actors have access to learning.
Certification of Actors
who should we learn with
Problem Tractability
is it clear what learning should be about?
Rational Perspective on Learning
learning is the foundation for policy change based on evidence & evolution, therefore, the condition for policies to be (and to remain) efficient and effective
Political Perspective on Learning
learning must fit actors’ interests. knowledge is used for power and ammunition to increase credibility in the policy claim.
Policy support
Cultural Perspective on Learning
learning is based on frames and these are justified depending on how is told, therefore, becoming a social construction.
learn how policy stories are (re)produced
Institutional Perspective on Learning
learning must fit the institutional context. Changes incrementally by following path dependencies.
Institutional survival & legitimacy.
Learning Frameworks
Advocacy Coalition - - definition
Based on the political perspective, the framework focuses on the stability of advocacy coalitions and how these balance policy dynamics based on conflict and power struggles.
Characteristics of Advocacy Coalitions (4)
- relatively stable
- multiple actors
- shared policy beliefs
- resource pooling
Structure of Advocacy Coalitions (3)
this is what keeps them together, leading to policy stability
· Secondary Aspects: choice of instruments to achieve specific values
· Policy Core: specific values to a policy area
· Deep Core: fundamental values that are implicit and applicable to policy areas
In Advocacy Coalitions, for policy to be maintained (6)
- gradual changes
- constitutional structures
- economic circumstances
- resources
- authority
- information & knowledge
Policy change in the structure of advocacy coalitions
Secondary Aspects: changes through policy learning & feedback
Policy Core: changes in balance of power
Deep Core: changes are unlikely, but when they happen these are caused by external perturbations changing the fundamental system
Non-incremental change in Advocacy Coalitions due to (4) (SSPC)
- socioeconomic changes
- public mood shifts
- changes in executive and economic aspects
- spin-offs from policy domains
What are subsystems in advocacy coalitions?
subsystems are those where multiple actors, from different fields, are involved because they are interested in the same topic
Learning Frameworks
Punctuated Equilibrium
- policy punctuation
dramatic changes leading to institutional redesign to prevent further path dependency
Punctuated Equilibrium
- negative feedback (3)(SII)
negative feedback allows for greater path dependency
1. institutional friction: challenges are ignored
2. selective mobilisation of bias
3. incumbent policy image: credibility & legitimacy
Punctuated Equilibrium
- policy changes (3)
- Agenda Setting: problems through window of opportunity
- Positive Feedback: mobilises problems in the agenda
- media attention
Punctuated Equilibirum
- positive feedback mechanisms (2)
- venue shopping: finding new venues/settings to challenge policy monopolies
- vertical: multilevel approach
- horizontal - image manipulation
Learning Frameworks
Frame Reflexive Policy
- definition
Based on the cultural perspective, frames compete for attention to influence policymaking processes
Frame Reflexive Policy
- intractable policy controversies (3)
- irresolvable
- cannot be resolved with facts: war of sciences
- constructing different realities
Frame Reflexive Policy
- characteristics of policy frames (3)
- selective & normative
- name & frame
- tacit & difficult to change
Frame Reflexive Policy
- elements of policy frame (4)
- what problem?
- why?
- who (is to blame)?
- how to solve the problem
Frame Reflexive Policy
Key factors in framing (3)
- Dramatisation: new vs old, looks good
- Cultural Values: appeal to core values of a society that cannot be contradicted
- Political-Economic Factors: goodness of fit with political and institutional environments
Frame Reflexive Policy
what is Critical Frame Reflection?
argues that the role of the researcher is not to resolve controversies but provide tools to help the actors involved to reframe issues.
Frame Reflexive Policy
- elements for reframe (5) (CATEW)
- conversation with others
- articulation of frames
- willingness to change
- evidence
- trust
Types of innovation (5)
- service & process oriented
- technological
- organisational
- conceptual
- governance
Innovation cycle (5)
- generation of ideas
- selection of ideas
- implementation of new ideas
- dissemination of new practices
- learning from new practices
