Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF)

What is the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF)?

A theory explaining how policy change happens through groups (coalitions) that share beliefs and compete within a policy area.

Who developed the ACF?

Paul Sabatier and Hank Jenkins-Smith.

What does the ACF focus on?

How shared beliefs, learning, and outside events cause policy change over time.

What is a Policy Subsystem?

A space where different actors (government, interest groups, experts, etc.) interact about a specific policy issue.

Who are Advocacy Coalitions?

Groups of people from different organizations who share beliefs and work together to influence policy outcomes.

What unites members of a coalition?

Shared beliefs and goals about a policy issue.

How do coalitions compete?

By pushing for their beliefs to be reflected in government policy.

What are the three levels of beliefs in ACF?

1. Deep Core Beliefs, 2. Policy Core Beliefs, 3. Secondary Beliefs.

Deep Core Beliefs (Definition)

Fundamental worldviews and values (like equality or freedom); hardest to change.

Policy Core Beliefs (Definition)

Beliefs about how a specific policy area should operate; guide decisions and strategies.

Secondary Beliefs (Definition)

Specific ideas about how to apply core beliefs to real policies; easiest to change.

What keeps policies stable for long periods?

Strong, consistent deep core and policy core beliefs among coalitions.

How does major policy change occur in ACF?

Through external or internal shocks, learning, or negotiated agreements between coalitions.

What role does time play in ACF?

Major policy change often takes a decade or more because belief systems evolve slowly.

What is Policy-Oriented Learning in ACF?

When actors adjust their views or strategies based on experience or new information.

Example of ACF in practice

Environmental policy conflicts between business and environmental coalitions over time.

⚙️ Belief System Levels

Deep Core Beliefs

Basic values about the world and human nature; hardest to change.

Policy Core Beliefs

Central ideas about how a policy area should function; guide coalitions' positions.

Secondary Beliefs

Practical beliefs about how to carry out policy goals; easiest to change with new evidence.

What makes Secondary Beliefs easier to change?

They require less evidence and fewer agreements among actors.

What do Secondary Beliefs focus on?

Turning big ideas (core beliefs) into specific policy actions.

🔄 Paths to Policy Change (Four Main Paths)

What are the Four Paths to Policy Change?

1. Policy-Oriented Learning, 2. External Shocks, 3. Internal Shocks, 4. Negotiated Agreement.

1. Policy-Oriented Learning

What is Policy-Oriented Learning?

A lasting change in thinking or behaviour that results from experience or new information.

What beliefs are hardest to change through learning?

Deep core and policy core beliefs.

What beliefs are most likely to change through learning?

Secondary beliefs.

What does Policy-Oriented Learning lead to?

Gradual adjustments in policy and strategy over time.

🌍 2. External Perturbations or Shocks

What are External Shocks?

Major outside events that can push policy change (e.g., economic crises, regime changes, disasters).

Are External Shocks enough on their own to cause change?

No — they're necessary but not sufficient.

Examples of External Shocks

Natural disasters, economic recessions, government change, or global events.

How do External Shocks affect policy?

They open windows for change and shift who holds influence.

⚡ 3. Internal Shocks

What are Internal Shocks?

Big events inside the policy subsystem that change the balance of power.

Another name for Internal Shocks

Focusing events.

What can Internal Shocks do?

Redistribute resources, strengthen minority coalitions, and weaken dominant ones.

How do Internal Shocks affect beliefs?

They confirm beliefs in minority groups and cause doubt in dominant ones.

What is a Negotiated Agreement?

When competing coalitions reach a compromise that changes core policies.

What kind of change does it lead to?

Major shifts from the old status quo.

What beliefs can change through a Negotiated Agreement?

Policy core beliefs.

When does Negotiated Agreement usually happen?

When coalitions realize cooperation brings mutual benefit.

Which path causes gradual change?

Policy-Oriented Learning.

Which paths cause sudden change?

External or Internal Shocks.

Which path involves compromise?

Negotiated Agreement.

Which beliefs change most easily?

Secondary Beliefs.

Which beliefs are most stable?

Deep Core Beliefs.