Interpretive Policy Analysis
Social Meaning in Policy Processes
Published on 16. September 2025
Book
Hardback
280 pages
978-1-80220-246-5 (ISBN)
Description
This comprehensive book explores the development of interpretive policy analysis (IPA) over the past three decades as an approach to bring social meaning into the study of policy processes. It examines present circumstances and future directions, providing a detailed overview of theory and practice in the field.
Leading scholars discuss how IPA has adopted a critical stance designed to move beyond empiricism and include understanding of the construction and analysis of social meaning. They focus on four general topics: theoretical and historical viewpoints including social constructivism; policy-analytic perspectives such as framing, narratives and emotion; policy deliberation and discourse; and interpretive methodology and reflexivity. Chapters investigate key themes ranging from arguments and emotions to performativity, policy ethnography and participatory action research. The book concludes by tracing the path of interpretive policy analysis within the discipline of public policy.
Scholars and students of public policy, political science and sociology and political theory will greatly benefit from this insightful book. It is also a vital resource for practitioners and policy analysts working in regulation and governance, urban planning and public administration.
Leading scholars discuss how IPA has adopted a critical stance designed to move beyond empiricism and include understanding of the construction and analysis of social meaning. They focus on four general topics: theoretical and historical viewpoints including social constructivism; policy-analytic perspectives such as framing, narratives and emotion; policy deliberation and discourse; and interpretive methodology and reflexivity. Chapters investigate key themes ranging from arguments and emotions to performativity, policy ethnography and participatory action research. The book concludes by tracing the path of interpretive policy analysis within the discipline of public policy.
Scholars and students of public policy, political science and sociology and political theory will greatly benefit from this insightful book. It is also a vital resource for practitioners and policy analysts working in regulation and governance, urban planning and public administration.
Reviews / Votes
'The truth is not always out there. This volume offers academics and policy makers essential tools for understanding policy processes beyond the pursuit of objective certainty. Policies carry different meanings for different actors, and recognizing these differences has important implications not only for policy effectiveness but also for social justice. The book addresses both the philosophical foundations and the practical methods analysts can use to investigate policy processes independently or engage stakeholders through action research.' -- Rebecca Abers, Universidade de Brasilia, Brazil 'A powerful and engaging introduction to interpretive policy analysis! This volume, written by top scholars, brilliantly captures the approach's intellectual roots, originality, and methodological richness. It's an inspiring and accessible guide that challenges conventional thinking and opens up new vistas for understanding public policy. A must-read for scholars and students alike!' -- Vincent Dubois, Sciences Po Strasbourg, FranceMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cheltenham
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-80220-246-5 (9781802202465)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Edited by Frank Fischer, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Politics and Global Affairs, Rutgers University, USA and currently a Research Associate at Humboldt University, Germany, Sybille Muench, Professor of Political Science and Director, Center for Diversity, Democracy and Inclusion in Education, Hildesheim University, Germany and Douglas Torgerson, Professor Emeritus of Politics and Cultural Studies, Trent University, Canada
Content
Contents
1 Introducing Interpretive Policy Analysis 1
Frank Fischer, Sybille Muench and Douglas Torgerson
PART I ORIGIN AND FOUNDATIONS
2 Interpretive Policy Analysis: Origins and Current Challenges 25
Dvora Yanow
3 Social Constructivism and Interpretive Policy Analysis:
Meaning in Social and Political Action 53
Frank Fischer
PART II ANALYTIC APPROACHES
4 Frames and Framing Analysis: Toward a Critical Approach 76
Jennifer Dodge
5 Narrative Inquiry in Interpretive Policy Research 96
Hugh T. Miller
6 Emotionability and Policy Interpretation: Tracing Policy
Changes in Welfare Institutions 114
Pia H. Buelow and Monika Allgurin
7 Problematization: The Role of Argumentation and Rhetoric in
Interpretive Policy Analysis 133
Sybille Muench
PART III DELIBERATION AND DISCOURSE
8 Participatory Policy Deliberation in Khon Kaen: Interpreting
Cultural Policy Through Symbols 155
Piyapong Boossabong, Pobsook Chamchong and Frank Fischer
9 Discursive Policy Inquiry: A Critical Interpretive Approach 170
David Howarth and Steven Griggs
10 Performance, Performativity and Policy Discourse 187
Amanda Machin
PART IV METHODS AND PRACTICES
11 Policy Ethnography as Interpretive Practice: Concepts and Cases 201
Jerry Mitchell
12 Participatory Action Research: Collaborative Practices in
Interpretive Inquiry 221
Frank Fischer and Rosana de Freitas Boullosa
13 Interpretive Policy Analysis: Methods and Practices 239
Severine van Bommel
PART V METHODOLOGICAL NOTE
14 Positivism and the Politics of Validity 259
Douglas Torgerson
1 Introducing Interpretive Policy Analysis 1
Frank Fischer, Sybille Muench and Douglas Torgerson
PART I ORIGIN AND FOUNDATIONS
2 Interpretive Policy Analysis: Origins and Current Challenges 25
Dvora Yanow
3 Social Constructivism and Interpretive Policy Analysis:
Meaning in Social and Political Action 53
Frank Fischer
PART II ANALYTIC APPROACHES
4 Frames and Framing Analysis: Toward a Critical Approach 76
Jennifer Dodge
5 Narrative Inquiry in Interpretive Policy Research 96
Hugh T. Miller
6 Emotionability and Policy Interpretation: Tracing Policy
Changes in Welfare Institutions 114
Pia H. Buelow and Monika Allgurin
7 Problematization: The Role of Argumentation and Rhetoric in
Interpretive Policy Analysis 133
Sybille Muench
PART III DELIBERATION AND DISCOURSE
8 Participatory Policy Deliberation in Khon Kaen: Interpreting
Cultural Policy Through Symbols 155
Piyapong Boossabong, Pobsook Chamchong and Frank Fischer
9 Discursive Policy Inquiry: A Critical Interpretive Approach 170
David Howarth and Steven Griggs
10 Performance, Performativity and Policy Discourse 187
Amanda Machin
PART IV METHODS AND PRACTICES
11 Policy Ethnography as Interpretive Practice: Concepts and Cases 201
Jerry Mitchell
12 Participatory Action Research: Collaborative Practices in
Interpretive Inquiry 221
Frank Fischer and Rosana de Freitas Boullosa
13 Interpretive Policy Analysis: Methods and Practices 239
Severine van Bommel
PART V METHODOLOGICAL NOTE
14 Positivism and the Politics of Validity 259
Douglas Torgerson