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Magical Thinking in Public Policy - Why Naive Ideals about Better Policymaking Persist in Cynical Times (Hardcover)
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Magical Thinking in Public Policy - Why Naive Ideals about Better Policymaking Persist in Cynical Times (Hardcover)
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This book explores why naive ideals about better policymaking
persist even in cynical times, revealing the careful reflection at
the heart of what appears to be 'magical thinking' in public
policy. Contemporary policy scholarship tends to be cynical about
movements to reform policymaking by making it more rational or more
democratic. Scholars point to the pathologies and vagaries of
realpolitik that render ideals such as evidence-based policymaking,
long-term prevention, collaboration, transparency, and citizen
engagement unattainable. Increasingly, many go further to warn
about the democratic dangers of pursuing these foolhardy goals. The
fact is, however, that scholarly objections about political
obstacles and practical constraints are not news to policy actors
themselves - they are acutely aware of the challenges of policy
work amid uncertainty, complexity and contestation. They privately
express doubt, frustration, and cynicism, but they continue to
support, promote, and work towards these key aspirations in
practice. Through rich case studies and wide-ranging theoretical
discussion, John Boswell offers novel insights into the continuing
appeal of seemingly naive ideals. In particular, he shows how
turning to these ideals helps actors to reconcile and resolve key
dilemmas and challenges in their everyday work. Ultimately, the
book offers a nuanced and spirited defence of the value of clinging
on to seemingly naive ideals for better policymaking, even in the
face of inevitable failures and disappointments.
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