Public Policy Praxis--Theory and Pragmatism: A Case Approach

by Randall S. Clemons, Mark K. McBeth

This readable and conceptual approach to public policy carefully balances theory and practice?unlike most other books, which either lack theory or lack practicality. The authors combine positivist and postpositivist perspectives on policy analysis, supported by interesting and useful cases. Explores the political basis of policy making and analysis, with a careful eye toward readers' practical needs. Provides models and tools, along with the analytical knowledge necessary for policy analysis. Discusses the limitations, practical political problems, and ethical implications of different techniques and methodologies. Discusses value conflict, power, political systems, democracy, subjectivity, and ambiguity. A comprehensive reference for professionals in public administration or anyone interested in learning about public policy formulation.

Genres: Politics

338 pages, Paperback

First published July 27, 2000

About the author

Also writes as Randy S. Clemons.

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have used a previous version of this book and this version for graduate level courses. This time around I have come the realization that it is a terrific book, but it is extremely difficult to use when teaching an asynchronous online course. I might look at other options in the future and use this as a recommended book in my courses.

[d9fqdfnka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much like the importance that the authors place on postpositivist perspectives. The book is also an easy read for the politically naive like me, and intermittently humorous. But my main objection is when the authors assume that public policy in the US "could easily be translated to a controversy about endangered elephants in Africa" (p. 7). The authors ignore the vast differences in political systems and everything else, seemingly not realising that the world is so different elsewhere.
There are also quite a number of typo errors.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, though because of the structure of the course, I wasn't able to spend quite as much time on the concepts as I wish I could have. I appreciate how confident they are in the importance of a mixed methods approach for policy analysis and research.

[Erin McDonnell-Jones]

This book was assigned for my Ed.D policy class. I will openly admit that I only read the first chapter, felt insulted, bookmarked the chapters in the book, and did not read another page. It was boring, and I felt that it wasn't applicable enough to my studies.

[Fred Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has some good case studies and examples and a reasonably readable coverage of the theory. Might use some of the cases in my course.

[Willa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, if a bit too much on the mushy postmodern side.