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Policy analysis as discourse

Author

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  • Louise G. White

    (Professor of Government and Politics and Chair of the Department of Public and International Affairs, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia)

Abstract

The field of policy analysis encompasses a greater diversity of practices than is commonly appreciated. Many recent revisions agree with the postmodern dictum that analytic studies are socially constructed and propose some form of discourse for formulating policy. This article compares three theoretical perspectives on discourse: analytic discourse, which draws on multiple theories and data sources; critical discourse, which emphasizes critical reflection and links evidence to value discussions; and persuasive discourse, which focuses on the role of ideas and persuasion by policy entrepreneurs. Analytic discourse has had the most impact on the practice of analysis, but the other two literatures have had some influence and address important issues. Critical discourse is sensitive to the structural biases in policy research, and persuasive discourse links the practice of analysis to opportunities in the policy arena. The author seeks to make us more conscious of alternative theories, while emphasizing the role of discourse in all three models and the linkages between policy design and the policy process.

Suggested Citation

  • Louise G. White, 1994. "Policy analysis as discourse," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 13(3), pages 506-525.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jpamgt:v:13:y:1994:i:3:p:506-525
    DOI: 10.2307/3325389
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Niaz Ahmed Khan (University of Dhaka), "undated". "More Than Meets The Eye: Re-Reading Forest Policy Discourse In Bangladesh," QEH Working Papers qehwps177, Queen Elizabeth House, University of Oxford.
    2. Zhichao Li & Xihan Tan & Bojia Liu, 2023. "Policy Changes in China’s Family Planning: Perspectives of Advocacy Coalitions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(6), pages 1-19, March.
    3. Gasper, D.R., 2007. "Values, vision, proposals and networks: using ideas in leadership for human development," ISS Working Papers - General Series 18758, International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam (ISS), The Hague.
    4. Berg, Brennan K. & Warner, Stacy & Das, Bhibha M., 2015. "What about sport? A public health perspective on leisure-time physical activity," Sport Management Review, Elsevier, vol. 18(1), pages 20-31.
    5. Leung, Abraham & Burke, Matthew & Perl, Anthony & Cui, Jianqiang, 2018. "The peak oil and oil vulnerability discourse in urban transport policy: A comparative discourse analysis of Hong Kong and Brisbane," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 65(C), pages 5-18.
    6. Taewook Huh & Yun Young Kim, 2021. "Triangular Trajectory of Sustainable Development: Panel Analysis of the OECD Countries," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-16, March.
    7. Jan Bebbington & Judy Brown & Bob Frame & Ian Thomson, 2007. "Theorizing engagement: the potential of a critical dialogic approach," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 20(3), pages 356-381, June.
    8. Walters, Lawrence C. & Sudweeks, Ray R., 1996. "Public policy analysis: The next generation of theory," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 25(4), pages 425-452.

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