Policy dimension: A new concept to distinguish substance from process in the Narrative Policy Framework |
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Authors: | Johanna Kuenzler Bettina Stauffer |
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Institution: | 1. Chair for Comparative Administrative Science and Policy Analysis, University of Speyer, Speyer, Germany;2. KPM Center for Public Management, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland |
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Abstract: | This article introduces the distinction between substance (questions of policy design) and process (questions of power in the policy process) to the Narrative Policy Framework (NPF). While both occur in existing NPF research, so far, they are not separated analytically. We conceptualize them as categories of the “policy dimension,” a new aspect of narrative content. Applying this dimension to an exploratory case, we show that such an analysis leads to useful insights for NPF scholars. Substance policy narrative elements show a debate about a policy's implementation model, whereas process policy narrative elements reveal that this debate is permeated by power conflicts. Furthermore, we find that the two categories' occurrence in narratives is influenced by the debate venue, whereas political parties as narrators do not seem to be relevant. The policy dimension allows for new research avenues and provides practitioners with a new tool to understand and intervene in policy debates. |
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Keywords: | child and adult protection policy Narrative Policy Framework policy dimension substance and process 叙事政策框架 政策维度 实质与过程 儿童与成人保护 marco de política narrativa dimensión política sustancia y proceso protección de niños y adultos |
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