The lessons of learning: Reconciling theories of policy learning and policy change |
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Authors: | Colin J. Bennett Michael Howlett |
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Affiliation: | (1) Department of Political Science, University of Victoria, V8W 3P5 Victoria, BC, Canada;(2) Department of Political Science, Simon Fraser University, V5A 1S6 Burnaby, BC, Canada |
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Abstract: | Several different explanations of policy change based on notions of learning have emerged in the policy literature to challenge conventional conflict-oriented theories. These include notions of political-learning developed by Heclo, policy-oriented learning developed by Sabatier, lesson-drawing analyzed by Rose, social learning discussed by Hall and government learning identified by Etheredge. These different concepts identify different actors and different effects with each different type of learning. Some elements of these theories are compatible, while others are not. This article examines each approach in terms of who learns, what they learn, and the effects of learning on subsequent policies. The conclusion is that three distinct types of learning have often been incorrectly juxtaposed. Certain conceptual, theoretical and methodological difficulties attend any attempt to attribute policy change to policy learning, but this does not detract from the important reorientation of policy analysis that this approach represents. |
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