The Public Policy Theory Primer

by Kevin B. Smith

Public policy has developed into a broad and interdisciplinary area of study. Research in the field tends to reflect this wide-ranging nature, with scholarly activity focusing on policy process, policy design, program evaluation, specific policy issues, and research classified simply as “policy studies.” Yet for those teaching and studying in the field, the disjointed nature of the field can be confusing and cumbersome.

In this newly revised and updated edition of The Public Policy Theory Primer , authors Kevin B. Smith and Christopher W. Larimer provide a reasoned and structured framework for the field of public policy, not only discussing several major theories but also offering a consistent and coherent framework for uniting the field. This organized and comprehensive approach addresses core questions and concepts, major theoretical frameworks, primary methodological approaches, and key controversies and debates. In the second edition, the authors cover new approaches to subsystems theory, policy narratives, behavioral economics and policymaking, implementation theory, and many other new themes in each of the book's ten chapters. The Public Policy Theory Primer is an indispensable text for the systematic study of public policy.

Genres: Public Policy, Academic, Grad School

288 pages, Hardcover

First published February 10, 2009

Reviews

[Ghasem Safaeinejad · Rating 3 out of 5]

کتاب خوبیه اما به درد کسی میخوره که سیاستگذاری بلد باشه و قبلا چند تا کتاب راجع بهش خونده باشه. ترجمه اش یه کم سنگینه

[Sir Ehssan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend to read it, to get a sence of public policy as an academic field. Delivers a good general idea on whats going on, and covers most of the hot topics and theories. Good read by the way.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bruh finally done this. Can’t believe my research advisor said this would be a “worth while read”. Blasphemy.

[Ahmed Mohsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

هذا الكتاب يقدم مدخل جيد للسياسات العامة ، بداية من السؤال الرئيسي هل هناك مجال معرفة بإسم السياسات العامة أم لا؟
يبدأ الكتاب من اجل إجابة هذا السؤال في الفصل الأول بعرض أهم التعريفات لهذا العلم بالإضافة إلى التطور التاريخي له، ثم في الفصل التالية يتناول الكتاب في كل فصل موضوع رئيسي في السياسات العامة ثم يتناول أهم الأفكار الموجودة في هذا الموضوع سواء في الجاتب النظري، أو التيارات المتصارعة داخل هذا الموضوع.
عموما، تقييمي للكتاب انه جيد جدا، وأنه يصلح للدراسة الجامعية كمدخل لدراسة السياسات العامة.

[Fred Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was written to be a textbook and it covers material in an academic / survey mode. From that standpoint it works, but it's not a particularly readable book and could use more examples. In fairness, it is a book on theory. I will take some material from it for my undergraduate and capstone course. For me personally it was good to read this summary as Public Policy Theory is still a new topic for me. Still relating it to all the other fields I know.

[Mohammad Mollanoori · Rating 4 out of 5]

تقابل دو ایده، عقل‌گرایی و پسااثبات‌گرایی
سیاست مشارکتی