The Public Policy Theory Primer

The Public Policy Theory Primer

<div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Public policy has developed into a broad and interdisciplinary area of study. Research in the field tends to reflect this wide-ranging nature, with scholarly activity focusing on policy process, policy design, program evaluation, specific policy issues, and research classified simply as &ldquo;policy studies.&rdquo; Yet, for those teaching and studying in the field, this disjointedness can be confusing and cumbersome.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">&#160;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">This text provides a reasoned and structured framework for the field of public policy. Authors Kevin B. Smith and Christopher W. Larimer not only discuss several major theories but also offer a consistent and coherent framework for uniting the field. This organized and comprehensive approach addresses core questions and concepts, major theoretical frameworks, primary methodological approaches, and key controversies and debates. <I>The Public Policy Theory Primer</i> is an indispensable text for the systematic study of public policy.</p></div>