Abstract
Definitions of ‘policy’ are elusive but invariably concur that contemporary public and social policies are constructed within power structures in order to inform rational and consistent decision-making that ensures beneficial outcomes. For example, Torjman (2005) suggests, ‘… the formulation of public policy involves a process of making good decisions - for the public good (p. 18)’. This raises, of course, a number of questions such as who decides policy, who is subject to policy and what is ‘good’. Consequently it is important and thus critical to investigate policies by subjecting their genesis, implementation and evaluation to scrutiny. Whose interests are being served, whose are being overlooked and are there consequences that are unintended or hidden?
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© 2013 Stephanie Petrie
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Petrie, S. (2013). Policy Contexts, Consequences and Controversies. In: Petrie, S. (eds) Controversies in Policy Research. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230390836_1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230390836_1
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
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