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Magical Thinking in Public Policy: Why Naive Ideals about Better Policymaking Persist in Cynical Times by John Boswell 9780192848789

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Description

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.

About the Author
John Boswell is Associate Professor in Politics at the University of Southampton. His expertise is in public policy, deliberative governance, and interpretive methods. His many publications on these topics include Mending Democracy: Democratic Reform in Disconnected Times (with Carolyn M. Hendriks and Selen A. Ercan; OUP, 2020), and The Art and Craft of Comparison (with Jack Corbett and R. A. W. Rhodes; CUP, 2019).


Book Information
ISBN 9780192848789
Author John Boswell
Format Hardback
Page Count 192
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Dimensions(mm) 240mm * 163mm * 20mm

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