Foundations and Evolution of Public Policy

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to public policy, its nature, characteristics, and analytical frameworks from the lecture notes.

Public Policy

An activity that encompasses theoretical, political, and practical aspects aimed at addressing public issues.

Dynamic

Describes public policy as a set of intentional activities or actions.

Sequential

Public policy is characterized by a multi-staged and multi-faceted cycle.

Governance

The exercise of political, economic, and administrative authority to manage a nation's affairs; it includes networks and private actors beyond just the state.

Contextual

Public policy is influenced by the cultural, political, economic, and social environment.

Microfoundations

An analytical approach emphasizing individual actors and bottom-up perspectives in policy analysis.

Rational Choice Theory

A theory suggesting that individual actors make decisions based on self-interest to maximize their outcomes.

Empirical

Based on data and factual experiences that inform public policy.

Socialization

The process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, norms, and practices of their society.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

Organizations that operate independently from government influence, playing a key role in public policy.

Macroscopic view

A wide-ranging perspective that considers the complex interplay between various societal elements, including economy, media, and science.

Categorical

Refers to the types of public policy, which can be substantive, procedural, distributive, regulatory, and material.

Public Problems

Issues deemed unacceptable by society that require government intervention.

Meta-Theoretical Mapping

A framework that categorizes various policy theories and their relations to societal influences.

Legislation

Formal legal pronouncements or statements that constitute public policy.

Cultural Context

The collective values, beliefs, and attitudes that shape public policy and its reception in society.

Three Pathways of Influence

Refers to the interconnectedness of societal subsystems such as the economy, social structures, and their impact on public policy.

Boundary-Spanning Functions

The roles played by organizations like think tanks that bridge different societal systems.

Governance Research

A field that examines how public and common goods are produced, considering both governmental and non-governmental actors.

Inter-systemic links

Connections between different societal systems, emphasizing how they influence each other in the policy realm.

Influential Theories

Major theories in public policy, including Marxist and Rational Choice perspectives, providing various insights into policy formulation and implications.