Theories of the Policy Process, Second Edition

by Paul A. Sabatier

Theories of the Policy Process provides a forum for the proponents of several of the most promising and widely used theoretical frameworks to present the basic propositions of their frameworks, to assess the empirical evidence that has developed, and to discuss promising directions for future research. The first edition contained analys

Genres: Grad School, Politics, Public Policy, Academic, Nonfiction, School

350 pages, Paperback

First published September 9, 1999

About the author

Paul A. Sabatier is Professor of Environmental Science and Policy at the University of California, Davis.

Reviews

[Steven Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third edition of a classic work in theories of the policy process. I have used all three editions in a doctoral class on Policy Analysis. This volume is that good. It provides students with a good sense of key theoretical perspectives in understanding public policy (page 4), ". . .the decisions. . .of a government or an equivalent authority." Examples? Laws passed by legislatures, agency regulations, executive orders, and so on.

The introductory chapter sets the stage for the remainder of the book. There is a certain sadness, given that Paul Sabatier died before this book appeared.

In both the second and third editions, some theoretical perspectives were jettisoned and others added, based on the development of theory in public policy. Among perspectives studied include multiple streams, punctuated equilibrium, policy design, feedback theory (a new chapter compared with the 2nd edition), advocacy coalition framework, narrative policy framework, and so on.

The volume ends with a pair of chapters--one comparing the variety of theories of the policy process and the other how to advance policy research.

All in all, a terrific tool for teaching students about the policy process. Also, for readers who have some knowledge of the policy process, a fine resource.

[Steven Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an important resource for those wanting a detailed sense of key perspectives on the policy process. Multiple streams, Punctuated equilibrium, Large N studies, Advocacy colaition framework, etc. Each chapter explores a different approach to explaining policy. While a second edition updates this work, this still stands as a fine resource.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I understood it, it was interesting...but more often than not, it went right over my head!

[Nouhad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took this book as A course requirement and till now I use it whenever I am writing a research or analyzing thing related to policy. Highly recommended

[Brian Eason · Rating 1 out of 5]

An exhaustive collection of possibly intelligent ideas, compiled by a robot that can't string words together in a way that human brains can comprehend in a single read.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

NERD ALERT

[Elysa]

I only read the parts about social construction for class, but I want to read further.

[Steven Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This edited work is now in its second edition. In that, it has updated its summary of theories to cover new approaches and deleted a couple chapters from the first edition that are no longer as useful for the analyst and student of public policy.

Interested in how an evolutionary theory of change among species, punctuated equilibrium, has any relevance for our understanding of policy? Then read the chapter by True, Baumgartner and Jones. What about the impact of chance and contingency on what issues gain access to the political agenda versus those that might not gain governmental discussion and consideration? Read the chapter on Kingdon's "multiple streams" theory, written in this volume by Zahariadis.

Ingram and Schneider (with deLeon) have added a chapter to this edition not in the prior one. Their theory of social construction and its effect on policy has become widely recognized in recent years and is included in this edition. Network organizations are increasingly viewed as critical structures in the delivery of services. The private sector, nonprofits, and the public sector collaborate within networks to achieve public goals. The chapter by Adam and Kriesi is new to this edition and a welcome addition.

And so on.

The work ends with a comparison of different theories (by Schlager) and a reflection on how to enhance development of policy theory (by the editor, Sabatier).

Any edited volume like this can be questioned for why certain items were included and others excluded. Edited volumes often end up lacking cohesion. However, this edited work does its subject justice and is a useful book for those with some background in policy.

[Brett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This text was the centerpiece of my Public Policy class in my grad program, and I suppose that most people encountering it are also seeing it in the context of a classroom. It is somewhat overwhelming to someone coming to many of these concepts for the first time, and some essays in the volume are superior to others.

Nonetheless, as I became more familiar with the material, I found I could look back at these essays and get more out of them. Since this is intended as something of an introductory text, I wish it was more approachable, but it is concise and covers most of the relevant material that one needs to know to proceed to a deeper study of public policy literature.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading for school. Three books for four weeks of class. Yay, summer school!

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent explanations of various theories or frameworks with extensive bibliography for those that want to get at the original articles. Highly recommend!