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Policy beyond evidence

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  • Drèze, Jean

Abstract

The road from evidence to policy is longer than the telescopic expression ‘evidence-based policy’ tends to convey. Evidence is a scientific matter, policy is a political decision. Evidence can certainly inform policy, but sound policy requires at least three further ingredients: understanding, values and deliberation. Understanding can build not only on evidence (including RCTs) but also on other sources of enlightenment. Value judgements are essential to assess alternative policy options. And deliberation may be required to resolve possible differences in understanding and values among the concerned actors. Ideally, the quest for evidence should be part a larger effort to bring about sound policies through democratic processes. Economists have a role in this collective effort, but so do many others.

Suggested Citation

  • Drèze, Jean, 2020. "Policy beyond evidence," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 127(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:127:y:2020:i:c:s0305750x19304462
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2019.104797
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Esther Duflo, 2017. "Richard T. Ely Lecture: The Economist as Plumber," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 107(5), pages 1-26, May.
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    6. Esther Duflo, 2017. "The Economist as Plumber," NBER Working Papers 23213, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    Cited by:

    1. Wintrup, James, 2022. "Promising careers? A critical analysis of a randomised control trial in community health worker recruitment in Zambia," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 299(C).

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