<i>‘The truth is not always out there. This volume offers academics and policy makers essential tools for understanding policy processes beyond the pursuit of objective certainty. Policies carry different meanings for different actors, and recognizing these differences has important implications not only for policy effectiveness but also for social justice. The book addresses both the philosophical foundations and the practical methods analysts can use to investigate policy processes independently or engage stakeholders through action research.’</i>

- Rebecca Abers, Universidade de Brasília, Brazil,

<i>‘A powerful and engaging introduction to interpretive policy analysis! This volume, written by top scholars, brilliantly captures the approach’s intellectual roots, originality, and methodological richness. It’s an inspiring and accessible guide that challenges conventional thinking and opens up new vistas for understanding public policy. A must-read for scholars and students alike!’</i>

- Vincent Dubois, Sciences Po Strasbourg, France,

This comprehensive book explores the development of interpretive policy analysis (IPA) over the past three decades as an approach to bring social meaning into the study of policy processes. It examines present circumstances and future directions, providing a detailed overview of theory and practice in the field.



Leading scholars discuss how IPA has adopted a critical stance designed to move beyond empiricism and include understanding of the construction and analysis of social meaning. They focus on four general topics: theoretical and historical viewpoints including social constructivism; policy-analytic perspectives such as framing, narratives and emotion; policy deliberation and discourse; and interpretive methodology and reflexivity. Chapters investigate key themes ranging from arguments and emotions to performativity, policy ethnography and participatory action research. The book concludes by tracing the path of interpretive policy analysis within the discipline of public policy.



Scholars and students of public policy, political science and sociology and political theory will greatly benefit from this insightful book. It is also a vital resource for practitioners and policy analysts working in regulation and governance, urban planning and public administration.

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This comprehensive book explores the development of interpretive policy analysis (IPA) over the past three decades as an approach to bring social meaning into the study of policy processes. It examines present circumstances and future directions, providing a detailed overview of theory and practice in the field.
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Contents 1 Introducing Interpretive Policy Analysis 1 Frank Fischer, Sybille Münch and Douglas Torgerson PART I ORIGIN AND FOUNDATIONS 2 Interpretive Policy Analysis: Origins and Current Challenges 25 Dvora Yanow 3 Social Constructivism and Interpretive Policy Analysis: Meaning in Social and Political Action 53 Frank Fischer PART II ANALYTIC APPROACHES 4 Frames and Framing Analysis: Toward a Critical Approach 76 Jennifer Dodge 5 Narrative Inquiry in Interpretive Policy Research 96 Hugh T. Miller 6 Emotionability and Policy Interpretation: Tracing Policy Changes in Welfare Institutions 114 Pia H. Bülow and Monika Allgurin 7 Problematization: The Role of Argumentation and Rhetoric in Interpretive Policy Analysis 133 Sybille Münch PART III DELIBERATION AND DISCOURSE 8 Participatory Policy Deliberation in Khon Kaen: Interpreting Cultural Policy Through Symbols 155 Piyapong Boossabong, Pobsook Chamchong and Frank Fischer 9 Discursive Policy Inquiry: A Critical Interpretive Approach 170 David Howarth and Steven Griggs 10 Performance, Performativity and Policy Discourse 187 Amanda Machin PART IV METHODS AND PRACTICES 11 Policy Ethnography as Interpretive Practice: Concepts and Cases 201 Jerry Mitchell 12 Participatory Action Research: Collaborative Practices in Interpretive Inquiry 221 Frank Fischer and Rosana de Freitas Boullosa 13 Interpretive Policy Analysis: Methods and Practices 239 Severine van Bommel PART V METHODOLOGICAL NOTE 14 Positivism and the Politics of Validity 259 Douglas Torgerson
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Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9781802202465
Publisert
2025-09-16
Utgiver
Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd; Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
Høyde
234 mm
Bredde
156 mm
Aldersnivå
P, 06
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Innbundet
Antall sider
280

Om bidragsyterne

Edited by Frank Fischer, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Politics and Global Affairs, Rutgers University, USA and currently a Research Associate at Humboldt University, Germany, Sybille Münch, Professor of Political Science and Director, Center for Diversity, Democracy and Inclusion in Education, Hildesheim University, Germany and Douglas Torgerson, Professor Emeritus of Politics and Cultural Studies, Trent University, Canada