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structuring problems and the policy agenda

Reminder: The Policy Process. Stages in the processThe

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structuring problems and the policy agenda

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    1. Structuring Problems and the Policy Agenda PSC 314 Dr. Joseph Stefko University at Buffalo, SUNY Spring 2006

    3. What is a policy “problem”? Objective conditions whose existence may be established by determining what the facts are But is defining a policy problem truly objective?

    4. What is a policy “problem”? Facts can be interpreted differently; they can mean different things to different people The same piece of information can be a problem for one person, and no problem for someone else

    5. Today’s Agenda Problem structuring Why identifying problems is vital Compare types of policy models Methods for structuring problems

    6. The Nature of Policy Problems Hugo’s “idea whose time has come” In public policy… Change in public opinion Mobilization of public opinion Trend changes in vital statistics

    7. The “Pre-Decision” Process PSC tends to focus on the decision-making process, not what instigated it Why is the pre-decision process so important?

    8. Policy Problems (def) condition or situation that produces needs or dissatisfaction on the part of people for which relief or redress [by government] is sought

    9. Characteristics Policy problems are interdependent Policy problems are subjective Policy problems are “artificial” Policy problems are dynamic

    10. Problem Structuring Phase I – The Problem Search Discovering a policy problem Passive or active process Developing a “vehicle” for policy change

    11. Problem Structuring Phase II – Defining the Problem Importance of defining in general terms Importance of defining in different terms Great stakes in defining problems

    12. Problem Structuring Phase III – Problem Specification Defining its essential nature Defining the problem empirically

    13. Who Pays Attention? So, who cares about your problem? Govt ignores all kinds of problems How can we make govt aware of a problem?

    14. Making Govt Aware #1: Interest Groups #2: Indicators #3: Focusing Events Personal Experiences Powerful Symbols #4: Feedback

    15. Government Recognition Infinite number of problems Cannot deal with everything Govt uses a mechanism to filter problems

    16. The Agenda Process of choosing from among problems/issues and dealing with specific ones Essential step for any public policy issue

    17. The Agenda Definitions Set of political controversies… Whatever government is paying attn to… Types of agendas Systemic agenda Institutional agenda

    18. Setting the Agenda Size of the “audience” is important Defining an issue as broadly as possible 3 prerequisites Widespread attention Shared concern Shared perception that govt can act

    19. Setting the Agenda Three phases (Davies) Initiation Diffusion Processing

    20. Models of Agenda Setting Outside initiative Mobilization Inside initiative

    21. Models of Agenda Setting Barbara Nelson’s typology Issue recognition Issue adoption Issue prioritization Issue maintenance A shared perception of govt legitimacy A belief in an appropriate response

    22. According to Kingdon Streams of information Problem stream Policy stream Political stream Forming “policy windows”

    23. Who Sets Agendas? Elitist Pluralist Subgovernment A.K.A. “The Iron Triangle”

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