Description
Book SynopsisIn
The Dynamics of Public Policy, Adrian Kay sets out the crucial methodological, theoretical and empirical implications of two important trends in the social sciences: a frequently expressed ambition for analysis of 'movies not stills' and the regular observation that policy, politics and governance is becoming more complex.
Beginning with a discussion of the centrality of temporality, change and history to the social sciences, he develops the provocative claim that existing models of the policy process are of limited value in understanding and explaining policy dynamics. Instead, the author argues that it is only through structured narratives that we can really understand and explain complex policy histories. He sets out a methodology for structuring policy narratives and illustrates the claims of the book through four detailed case studies: health policy and pharmaceutical regulation in the UK; and agricultural policy and budget policy in the EU.
Adrian Kay's book will appeal to academics in the fields of policy analysis, public administration and public sector management as well as political science and political theory.
Trade Review'. . . this book stakes out positions in important theoretical and methodological debates that are controversial. They should be of interest to everyone who considers institutional analysis an important tool for understanding change in public policy as well as the institutions within which it occurs.' -- John L. Campbell, Australian Journal of Public Administration
'. . . this is a first rate book. It draws on a wide range of reading - philosophy, economics and politics - and teases out a number of important ideas. . . for academics and postgraduates it surely will be essential reading and I think has pushed the study of public policy forward.' -- Michael Connolly, Political Studies Review
Table of ContentsContents: Preface 1. Introduction: Why We Need Dynamic Perspectives Part I: Theory 2. Policy Dynamics and History 3. Path Dependency 4. Evolutionary Perspectives 5. Structured Policy Narratives Part II: Evidence 6. The Development of the EU Budget System 7. The Common Agricultural Policy 1977–2003 8. The GP Fundholding Scheme 9. UK Pharmaceutical Policy References Index
