Description: Provides a consistent and coherent framework for uniting the field of public policy. The authors offer a comprehensive overview of the core questions and concepts, major theoretical frameworks, primary methodological approaches, and key controversies and debates in each subfield of policy studies from the policy process and policy analysis.
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Praise for Previous Editions
"The Public Policy Theory Primer will give students a '30,000 foot view' of the field of policy studies, and provide the necessary context and overview to process the wide variety of perspectives and approaches. This is the much-needed missing piece that will allow the next generation of policy scholars to move the field forward." - Robert Wood, University of North Dakota
"Much more than a primer, this text recognizes the changing dynamics of policy science, emphasizing the latest research in implementation studies. Perfect for graduate seminars and students studying for comprehensive examinations, just about everything you need to know about the field of policy science is in this book." - Jacqueline Vaughn, Northern Arizona University
"Smith and Larimer's tour de force provides both summary and serious critique of the field of policy studies. It will be the standard reference for years to come." -- Bryan D. Jones, University of Texas at Austin