In search of new paradigms for the analysis of public policies

Abstract

The article intends to offer a contribution in the search for new models and in the enlargement, in concept and scope, of the discussion on theoretical and methodological development, in the area of analysis of public policies.

It establishes positively the incapacity of theoretical and methodological approaches for apprehending the ever-incrasing complexity of the phenomena influencing the dynamics of definition-formulation-implementation of policies, recognizing the existence of a process of circular causation, to be understood only through the rupture of dichotomies and biases involving the forms of analysis.

The study also examines the question of the rationality of actors taking part in the process, in their relationships with structures and with other actors. The author tries to demonstrate the necessity of consolidation of the multiple aspects of this rationality, namely its formal, substantive and dialectic aspects. The notion of rationality can not be restricted to decision-making and to the deeds of the actors.

In its final comments, the article presents under composite form five non-dichotomies, to be used in the study of the analysis of public policies and also in the analysis of said policies proper.

Finally, clearly emerges the fact that the analyses which contemplate to understand only official conditioning factors, as well as those factors which follow a certain descriptive realism, are in themselves prejudiced.