Essay on the policy formation process Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

On the policy formation process - Essay Example batier, noted social scientist, has conceptualized ‘Advocacy Coalition Framework’ or ACF and ‘Multiple Streams Framework’ for the policies in different areas of public welfare, that have proved quite effective. The essay would be discussing these models of policy frameworks in the areas of healthcare and education in the United States. ‘Advocacy Coalition Framework’ takes into account the interests of various stakeholders by incorporating opinions and feedback from wide ranging external and internal resources that may significantly impact the masses in the specified areas. The stakeholders comprise of beneficiaries of the schemes, institutions and intermediaries that facilitate the schemes to the public and the decision making bodies that are responsible for various processes for policy framework and subsequent implementation of those policies. The coalition broadly comprises of two major sources who seemingly reflect the welfare of the people: media, researchers and analysts; actors at all levels of government (local, state and international) (Sabatier, 1988). These sources help to study the various perspectives of the policy in the particular field by taking into account the different variables like socio-economic changes, political paradigms, evolving socio-cultural values, normative beliefs and environmental constraints. Thus, while incorporating the finer details of the policies in the relevant area, the view point of these agencies and the feedback widens the policy perspectives and ensures better decision making in framing the policies. ‘Multiple Streams Framework’ primarily believes that three vital streams of thoughts significantly impact the process of formulation of policies. The first is the problem identification that necessitates the process, second is the diversity in the requirements of the communities and lastly the political imperatives of vested interests that are influenced by public opinions, changing socio-economic and