Hardback
Reforms that Stick
The Politics of Preservation
9781035312061 Edward Elgar Publishing
This incisive book examines how and why some major policy reforms endure while others fail to gain traction and embed themselves. Tracing the development of key policy reforms over time, it offers original insight into how to create and embed positive changes that continue to deliver over the long term.
More Information
Critical Acclaim
Contents
More Information
This incisive book examines how and why some major policy reforms endure while others fail to gain traction and embed themselves. Tracing the development of key policy reforms over time, it offers original insight into how to create and embed positive changes that continue to deliver over the long term.
Combining insights from policy studies, policy feedback and government performance, this book focuses on education and environmental reforms in parliamentary democracies. It builds on previous studies of how reforms are designed and passed, advancing academic and policy knowledge on the trajectories of reforms post-implementation. Drawing on detailed case studies from Australia, Canada, Ireland and Sweden, chapters argue that for reforms to endure, the twin challenges of preservation and adaptation must be recognised and managed. The book shows endurance to be contingent, conditional and contested, progressing non-linearly and dependent on political parties, administrative actors, sectoral interests and mass publics for success.
Students and scholars interested in public policy, administration, governance and management will find this book a fascinating read. Using empirical analyses to give novel insight into the workings of government, it will also be an invaluable guide for policymakers and public administrators.
Combining insights from policy studies, policy feedback and government performance, this book focuses on education and environmental reforms in parliamentary democracies. It builds on previous studies of how reforms are designed and passed, advancing academic and policy knowledge on the trajectories of reforms post-implementation. Drawing on detailed case studies from Australia, Canada, Ireland and Sweden, chapters argue that for reforms to endure, the twin challenges of preservation and adaptation must be recognised and managed. The book shows endurance to be contingent, conditional and contested, progressing non-linearly and dependent on political parties, administrative actors, sectoral interests and mass publics for success.
Students and scholars interested in public policy, administration, governance and management will find this book a fascinating read. Using empirical analyses to give novel insight into the workings of government, it will also be an invaluable guide for policymakers and public administrators.
Critical Acclaim
‘Through well-argued theorisation and closely wrought case studies, Joannah Luetjens shows that what looks like policy stability is typically the result of ongoing adaptive efforts. Support for policy innovations can never end with legislative adoption and implementation. Supporters must continually take calibrated actions to keep policies going in light of changing contextual conditions. This book is a marvel. The insights it contains will inform policy research for decades to come.’
– Michael Mintrom, Monash University, Australia
‘Reforms that Stick is a splendid book. Leveraging well-researched case studies of key policy areas and systematic empirical analysis, Joannah Luetjens generates fresh insights into the conditions associated with reform endurance, consolidation, and erosion in parliamentary democracies. By exploring the interactions among political parties, administrative actors, interest groups, and mass publics, the book helps us better understand why some reforms last and why others unravel after the moment of enactment. Essential reading for scholars and practitioners of public policy.’
– Eric M. Patashnik, Brown University, US and author of Reforms at Risk
– Michael Mintrom, Monash University, Australia
‘Reforms that Stick is a splendid book. Leveraging well-researched case studies of key policy areas and systematic empirical analysis, Joannah Luetjens generates fresh insights into the conditions associated with reform endurance, consolidation, and erosion in parliamentary democracies. By exploring the interactions among political parties, administrative actors, interest groups, and mass publics, the book helps us better understand why some reforms last and why others unravel after the moment of enactment. Essential reading for scholars and practitioners of public policy.’
– Eric M. Patashnik, Brown University, US and author of Reforms at Risk
Contents
Contents: 1. Introducing reform endurance: immovable objects and irresistible forces 2. Conceptualising reform endurance: where preservation meets adaptation 3. Studying reform endurance in parliamentary systems: a comparative approach 4. Sweden’s educational saga: the entrenchment of school choice 5. Environmental reform in Ireland’s ‘throwaway’ society: moving beyond landfill 6. Conclusions: navigating the twin challenges of reform endurance Appendix References. Index
