Week 3 Flashcards
What are the three main theories of public policy discussed in this chapter?
Consensus models, Conflict models, Institutionalist models.
What is the main focus of institutionalist models in public policy?
A middle course between consensus and conflict models, focusing on institutions.
What do consensus models focus on in the policy process?
Group behaviors in the political process.
What do conflict theories focus on in public policy?
The influence of politics and economics on policy outcomes.
What does pluralism argue about politics in Western societies?
Politics is a competition between a plurality of interest groups, with no single group dominating.
What is a major critique of pluralism?
It fails to recognize inequality of access to the political system and the role of political power.
What does political economy focus on?
The relationship between politics and economics, and how these influence policy change and health outcomes.
What does neo-pluralism attempt to address?
Concerns about income inequality.
How do political economy theories explain policy change outcomes?
By considering material conditions, political power, and political ideology as primary influences.
What is the main focus of new institutionalism in public policy?
The role of institutions in shaping policy behaviors and outcomes.
What do the different theories of public policy represent?
Different levels of analysis and perspectives on what factors influence political outcomes.
who was Tommy Douglas?
Canadian politician
Leader of the first democratic socialist government in North America
Premier of Saskatchewan (1944–1961)
First leader of the NDP
Introduced universal healthcare in Saskatchewan
Levels of Public Policy
Mirco
Meso
Macro
Micro Level
Routine, day-to-day policies
Simple operations, minor revisions
Meso level
Mid-level policies
Advisory boards, middle-level changes
Macro Level
Broad issues, political systems
General structure and shape of policy
Narrow View
Policies that specify how the healthcare system should function
Wide View
Policies in other domains (e.g., economy, education) that affect health
Pluralism
Consensus-based model
Micro & Meso Level
Assumes neutrality & objectivity
Most influential in Canada
Criticism: Ignores political power & conflict
Two Pluralism Models
Easton’s Model – Inputs → Political system → Output (Gov’t seen as neutral)
Kingdon’s Policy Stream – Policy change happens
New Institutionalism
Micro & Meso Level
Institutions shape human behavior & decisions
Institutions resist change
Types of New Institutionalism
Rational Choice Institutionalism – Incentives & constraints shape behavior
Sociological Institutionalism – Social norms, scripts, and legitimacy shape behavior
Historical Institutionalism – Long-term processes & path dependence
Political Economy
Conflict-based (Macro Level)
Focuses on social classes, power, resources
Feminist Political Economy – Gender and economic systems
Neoliberalism
Free markets, privatization, deregulation
Less public spending on healthcare
Treats healthcare as a business
Bill 124 – Limits public sector salary increases, reflects neoliberalism
