Reconceptualizing major policy change in the advocacy coalition framework: a discourse network analysis of German pension politics

Leifeld, P. (2013) Reconceptualizing major policy change in the advocacy coalition framework: a discourse network analysis of German pension politics. Policy Studies Journal, 41(1), pp. 169-198. (doi: 10.1111/psj.12007)

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Abstract

How does major policy change come about? This article identifies and rectifies weaknesses in the conceptualization of innovative policy change in the Advocacy Coalition Framework. In a case study of policy belief change preceding an innovative reform in the German subsystem of old-age security, important new aspects of major policy change are carved out. In particular, the analysis traces a transition from one single hegemonic advocacy coalition to another stable coalition, with a transition phase between the two equilibria. The transition phase is characterized (i) by a bipolarization of policy beliefs in the subsystem and (ii) by state actors with shifting coalition memberships due to policy learning across coalitions or due to executive turnover. Apparently, there are subsystems with specific characteristics (presumably redistributive rather than regulative subsystems) in which one hegemonic coalition is the default, or the "normal state." In these subsystems, polarization and shifting coalition memberships seem to interact to produce coalition turnover and major policy change. The case study is based on discourse network analysis, a combination of qualitative content analysis and social network analysis, which provides an intertemporal measurement of advocacy coalition realignment at the level of policy beliefs in a subsystem.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:Advocacy Coalition Framework; discourse network analysis; policy change; polarisation; pension politics; old-age security; demographic change; Germany; policy networks; policy debates; political discourse
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Leifeld, Professor Philip
Authors: Leifeld, P.
Subjects:H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
J Political Science > JA Political science (General)
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences
Journal Name:Policy Studies Journal
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:0190-292X
ISSN (Online):1541-0072
Published Online:21 February 2013
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2013 Policy Studies Organization
First Published:First published in Policy Studies Journal 41(1):169-198
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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