Agenda Setting (Week 7)

What is the governmental agenda according to Kingdon?

The list of subjects to which people in and around government are paying serious attention to at any given point in time.

What is the decision agenda as defined by Kingdon?

A smaller set of items that is being decided upon.

What role does the 'problem stream' play in policy windows?

It opens policy windows due to crises or focusing events.

What is a policy window?

A critical opportunity for advocates to promote their proposals or highlight their concerns.

What is the significance of 'policy entrepreneurs'?

They are actors who advocate for specific policies, connecting problems and solutions.

What is 'wicked problem'?

A problem that has uncertain causes, disputed boundaries, and unclear solutions.

What is the 'coupling' of streams in policy-making?

The process where policy solutions are linked to social problems and political exigencies.

What defines 'policy monopoly'?

A situation where one specific understanding of a policy issue dominates, concentrated within a specific group or institution.

What does 'inside initiation' mean in agenda setting?

Issues that originate within government with control over problem definition and framing.

What differentiates 'outside initiation' from 'inside initiation'?

Outside initiation occurs when issues arise due to pressure from groups and individuals outside the government.

What is the role of 'policy images'?

They shape how a policy is understood and discussed, using simplified and favorable terms.

What is Kingdon's definition of agenda setting?

It narrows all possible issues to those that actually get attention, determining what counts as a problem needing government action.

What does 'problem tractability' refer to?

How easy a problem is to solve, distinguishing between tractable ('tame') and intractable ('wicked') problems.

What is an example of a predictable policy window?

Scheduled program renewals or federal budget announcements.

What is an example of an unpredictable policy window?

Crisis or focusing events that suddenly bring issues to the forefront.

What are some challenges with federalism in early year's policy according to the lecture?

Barriers to national programs created by institutional veto points and opportunities for provincial differences.

How does the 'coupling' process occur according to the policy window concept?

Solutions need to be linked with recognized problems and political priorities.

What is emphasized in policy advocacy communities for improving child policies?

Collaboration with stakeholders and strategic advocacy to design effective solutions.