Revisiting the policy process

Question 1

What do models offer us?

Answer 1

Useful heuristic device - helps us make sense of a complex world.
It breaks down the process into a limited number of stages, each of which can be investigated alone.
Enables a view of the various interactions that take place between different policy actors at each stage.

Question 2

What is problem definition?

Answer 2

An ‘issue’ is a situation, not controversial.
A ‘problem’ is a thing that must be fixed.
The process of turning an issue into a problem is called problem definition, and it is a highly political process.

Question 3

Why is problem definition political?

Answer 3

Problems can be defined and depicted in many different ways.

Problems are socially constructed through language and symbols

Question 4

How are problems depicted through language and symbols?

Answer 4

Stories (narratives)
Synecdoche - references part of something to reference the whole thing
Metaphor - war on drugs, poverty seen as a type of pathology
Ambiguity - allows lots of people to unit and support a single goal

Question 5

What is the rational perspective on the model of policy making?

Answer 5

Policy decisions can and should be made on the basis of scientific, objective rationality. It should be informed by technical expertise/knowledge. Technical experts, rather than interest groups, should be involved.