punctuated equilibirum theory Flashcards
What does Punctuated Equilibrium Theory (PET) describe?
Periods of evolutionary stasis interrupted by rapid, significant changes
Originally from evolutionary biology, later adapted to political science.
Who introduced Punctuated Equilibrium Theory?
Stephen Jay Gould and Niles Eldredge
Adapted to political science by Frank Baumgartner and Bryan Jones.
What is the main contrast to Punctuated Equilibrium Theory?
Incrementalism
Suggests that policy changes occur in small, gradual steps over time.
How does PET explain policy change in Pakistan?
Policy changes often seem sudden and dramatic after prolonged periods of inactivity
Influenced by institutional structures, political attention, and issue framing.
What does PET effectively explain regarding policy changes?
Why some policy changes occur in sudden bursts rather than through steady, incremental progress.
What significant event led to a sudden policy shift in Pakistan’s counter-terrorism stance?
The Army Public School (APS) attack in Peshawar in 2014.
What role do focusing events play in PET?
They can trigger rapid policy responses by capturing public and political attention.
Give an example of a focusing event that led to policy change in Pakistan.
The 2010 floods, which led to significant shifts in disaster management policies.
How does PET account for institutional constraints?
Emphasizes established interests, political elites, and bureaucratic routines resist change.
What historical resistance has affected land reform policies in Pakistan?
Entrenched feudal interests and political alliances.
In what policy domains can PET be applied?
Economic reforms, social policies, and more.
What is a major criticism of Punctuated Equilibrium Theory?
Its lack of predictive power regarding when punctuations will occur.
What example illustrates PET’s inability to predict policy changes?
Repeated Balochistan earthquakes that didn’t result in significant policy shifts.
What does PET potentially underestimate in policy-making?
The role of internal factors like political negotiations and stakeholder influence.
Give an example of gradual policy development that PET may overlook.
The Protection of Women Against Violence Act (2016) in Punjab.
What aspect of policy change may PET ignore?
Incremental changes that accumulate over time.
Provide an example of incremental change in Pakistan’s healthcare system.
The gradual rollout of the Sehat Sahulat Program.
What limitation does PET have regarding political agency?
It underplays the role of political actors and leadership in driving change.
What significant legal changes occurred during Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry’s tenure?
Judicial activism led to significant legal and constitutional developments.
What ambiguity exists in Punctuated Equilibrium Theory?
Determining what constitutes a ‘punctuation’ versus a continuation of incremental change.
How can the transition to democracy after General Musharraf’s resignation be interpreted?
As a punctuation in Pakistan’s political history or part of a longer, incremental struggle.
What are the strengths of Punctuated Equilibrium Theory?
Explains nonlinear change, the role of crises, and institutional inertia.
What notable limitations does PET have?
Lack of predictive power, overemphasis on external shocks, and insufficient attention to incremental change.
Why should PET be complemented with other theories?
To provide a more comprehensive understanding of policy processes.
In what contexts is PET particularly useful?
Analyzing abrupt policy shifts following major events.
Fill in the blank: Punctuated Equilibrium Theory offers important insights but should be applied alongside _______.
other frameworks
