Understanding Public Policy: Theories and Issues

Product Description The fully revised second edition of this textbook offers a comprehensive introduction to theories of public policy and policymaking. The policy process is complex: it contains hundreds of people and organisations from various levels and types of government, from agencies, quasi- and non-governmental organisations, interest groups and the private and voluntary sectors. This book sets out the major concepts and theories that are vital for making sense of the complexity of public policy, and explores how to combine their insights when seeking to explain the policy process. While a wide range of topics are covered – from multi-level governance and punctuated equilibrium theory to 'Multiple Streams' analysis and feminist institutionalism – this engaging text draws out the common themes among the variety of studies considered and tackles three key questions: what is the story of each theory (or multiple theories); what does policy theory tell us about issues like 'evidence based policymaking'; and how 'universal' are policy theories designed in the Global North? This book is the perfect companion for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying public policy, whether focussed on theory, analysis or the policy process, and it is essential reading for all those on MPP or MPM programmes.New to this Edition:- New sections on power, feminist institutionalism, the institutional analysis and development framework, the narrative policy framework, social construction and policy design- A consideration of policy studies in relation to the Global South in an updated concluding chapter- More coverage of policy formulation and tools, the psychology of policymaking and complexity theory- Engaging discussions of punctuated equilibrium, the advocacy coalition framework and multiple streams analysis Review “Paul Cairney has done the near impossible and made an outstanding textbook even better. The public policy landscape is always evolving and this second edition captures the new features, colours and dynamics in rich and vivid detail. It should be the go-to work for experienced scholars and students alike.” ―Allan McConnell, University of Sydney, Australia“The study and content of public policies are central elements of political science. This volume stands as the essential guide for students who seek to understand the forces that shape political decisions and the policy process. Cairney untangles and demystifies the complex business of policy-making by using theories to take us through the key dimensions of structure, agency , networks and ideas. Clearly written and full of theoretical and empirical insights from contemporary issues, I have no doubt this book will have a prominent place in policy scholars' reading lists.” ―Claire A. Dunlop, University of Exeter, UK“Rarely does a policy textbook title match its content better. Understanding Public Policy provides an efficient introduction to complex policy theory that is accessible to new learners by demystifying (necessary) policy jargon through plain language and current examples. Cairney's work incorporates the views of top scholars across the policy process literature and around the world. New learners and experienced readers will find the book a useful reference for understanding and researching public policy.” ―Chris Koski, Reed College, USA“Paul Cairney's book is the essential work for any public policy course. It clearly maps out all the key theories, and is packed with definitions and examples based on the latest research. It also offers a crucial insight into how policy works, and what happens when theory meets reality. It is usable, lucid and very well written.” ―Ben Worthy, Birkbeck, University of London, UK“Understanding Public Policy does what is says on the tin. It allows students, social scientists and those involved in public policy to access, understand and apply the most important findings of contemporary theories and empirical studies of th