Description
Public Policy Analysis
Book Summary
This work offers a rigorous synthesis of the main epistemological, theoretical, and methodological debates that define public policy analysis, a young and rapidly growing discipline. The author, Guillaume Fontaine, focuses on research design as the backbone, addressing its three fundamental milestones: conceptualization, theory formulation, and methodology. The book contrasts rationalist, cognitivist, and neo-institutionalist approaches, analyzing how they address different issues and which explanations they favor, before introducing key methodological aspects, incorporating recent advances in qualitative methods and contemporary analytical frameworks.
What is it about?
The book departs from traditional manuals that provide a historical-theoretical synthesis, instead offering a practical and applied approach oriented toward research. First, it examines the epistemological foundations underlying the different schools of thought in policy analysis. Next, it contrasts the main theoretical approaches (rationalist, cognitivist, and neo-institutionalist) based on the research questions they seek to answer and the explanatory mechanisms they employ. Finally, the work delves into methodology, reviewing advances in qualitative methods and the most influential analytical frameworks, providing the reader with concrete tools to design and execute their own research.
Main Topics
- Epistemology and theory in public policy analysis.
- Research design: conceptualization, theorization, and methodology.
- Comparison of approaches: rationalism, cognitivism, and neo-institutionalism.
- Qualitative methods applied to the study of public policy.
- Contemporary analytical frameworks and their practical application.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at graduate students, researchers, and professionals in the fields of political science, public administration, sociology, and political economy who are looking for a solid and updated guide for designing research in public policy analysis. It is also very useful for analysts and public managers interested in understanding the theoretical and methodological foundations that underpin policy evaluation and formulation.
What this book offers
- A practical and structured guide for research design in public policy, from conceptualization to methodology.
- A comparative analysis of the main theoretical approaches, facilitating the choice of the most appropriate framework for each research problem.
- An update on recent advances in qualitative methods and cutting-edge analytical frameworks.
- A critical and synthetic vision that avoids repeating content already covered in introductory manuals.
Technical Specifications
- Author: Fontaine, Guillaume
- Publisher: Anthropos Editorial
- Language: Spanish
- Topic: Literary essays, Political science and theory, Political ideologies, Public administration, Central government policies, Political economy
- Collection: CUADERNOS A NUEVOS TERRITORIOS
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication Date: November 2015
- Number of pages: 208
- Weight: 382 g
Editorial Review
This is a reference work for those who wish to delve into public policy analysis from a methodological and theoretical perspective. Its focus on research design, rather than a mere historical review, makes it an especially useful tool for researchers in training and professionals seeking analytical rigor. The inclusion of epistemological debates and the comparison of approaches offer a complete and updated view of the discipline, facilitating informed decision-making in the research process.