000			02220nam a22001937a 4500
005			20240328172343.0
008			240224b |||||||| |||| 00| 0 eng d
020			_a9780192848789
082			_a320.6 _bBOS
100			_aBoswell, John _914410
245			_aMagical thinking in public policy: _bwhy naïve ideals about better policymaking persist in cynical times
260			_bOxford University Press _aOxford _c2023
300			_aviii, 184 p.
365			_aGBP _b76.00
520			_aThis book explores why naïve 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 naïve 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 naïve ideals for better policymaking, even in the face of inevitable failures and disappointments. (https://global.oup.com/academic/product/magical-thinking-in-public-policy-9780192848789?cc=in&lang=en&#)
650			_aPublic policy _915580
650			_aPolicymaking _916587
942			_cBK _2ddc
999			_c6157 _d6157