Against policy analysis: critical reason and poststructural resistance

Article Abstract:

John Forester's use of Jurgen Habermas's critical theory to understand and improve policy making over-emphasizes the importance of policy analysis. A post-structural study of Forester's book, 'Critical Theory, Public Policy, and Planning Practice,' shows that a more modern approach is needed to bring out the politics of policy analysis and their role in policy making. Policy struggle is more a political activity than an analytical one, and radical incrementalism is a more suitable approach.

Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Criticism and interpretation, Policy scientists, Critical theory, Forester, John

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The mobilization of counter-expertise: using Fischer's model of policy inquiry

Article Abstract:

The application of Frank Fischer's model of critical policy evaluation to the demolition of the Heijplaat neighborhood of Rotterdam, the Netherlands shows that counter-expertise can be used to refute the arguments of government experts. The success of the residents of Heijplaat in saving their neighborhood from demolition proves the inaccuracy of the bureaucratic view that Heijplaat was a non-viable neighborhood that hindered the city's economic development.

Evaluation, Economic development, Rotterdam, Netherlands

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Ambiguity in policy discourse: Congressional talk about immigration

Article Abstract:

The paper presents a cultural analysis of the language practices of legislators and other participants in the immigration legislation debates in Congress between 1975 and 1986, through which they created an understanding of immigration. The problem for the individuals involved in this debate were that the social realities were not objectively construed, but socially constructed and resulted in ambiguous statements in order to prevent any racist remarks.

Analysis, Interpretation and construction, Communications, United States. Congress, Culture, Emigration and immigration law, Immigration law, Communication and culture, Policy sciences

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