Systems from Hell
Problem Definition and the Literary Portrayal of Failure in Our Public Policy and Social Institutions
Published on 2. June 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
300 pages
979-8-8558-0025-8 (ISBN)
Description
Examines how contemporary novels document and define social problems using a variety of narrative techniques to focus attention on systemic failure.
This book approaches contemporary fiction as a medium for policy advocacy, one whose narrative devices both link it to, and distinguish it from, other forms of public discourse. Using the framework of political agenda setting, David A. Rochefort analyzes the rhetorical function of problem definition played by literary works when they document and characterize social issues while sounding the call for systemic reform. Focusing on a group of noteworthy realist novels by American authors over the past twenty years, this study maintains that fictional narrative is a potentially influential instrument of "empathic policy argument." The book closes by examining the agenda-setting dynamics through which a social problem novel can contribute to the process of policy change.
This book approaches contemporary fiction as a medium for policy advocacy, one whose narrative devices both link it to, and distinguish it from, other forms of public discourse. Using the framework of political agenda setting, David A. Rochefort analyzes the rhetorical function of problem definition played by literary works when they document and characterize social issues while sounding the call for systemic reform. Focusing on a group of noteworthy realist novels by American authors over the past twenty years, this study maintains that fictional narrative is a potentially influential instrument of "empathic policy argument." The book closes by examining the agenda-setting dynamics through which a social problem novel can contribute to the process of policy change.
Reviews / Votes
"Systems from Hell is a fascinating exploration of a very difficult subject: policy failure. The approach is magisterial because Rochefort builds on his pioneering work on problem definition to push the boundaries beyond agenda setting. But he does it in a way that is original, unique, and highly relevant: through the analysis of social problem fiction. I don't know of any policy study that does so as effectively as his book does." - Nikolaos Zahariadis, author of The European Union in the 21st Century"David Rochefort offers supremely insightful readings of political novels and demonstrates how fiction can move audiences to empathy, outrage, and deep understanding of our most intractable policy controversies. Would-be political reformers from students to seasoned consultants and politicians should forget all the cognitive science and punditry and study this book instead." - Deborah Stone, author of Policy Paradox: The Art of Political Decision Making
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Albany, NY
United States
Target group
College/higher education
US School Grade: College Graduate Student and over
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
3 Tables, black and white; 3 Figures
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
493 gr
ISBN-13
979-8-8558-0025-8 (9798855800258)
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
Other editions
Additional editions
David A. Rochefort
Systems from Hell
Problem Definition and the Literary Portrayal of Failure in Our Public Policy and Social Institutions
E-Book
12/2024
State University of New York Press
€35.99
Available for download
Person
David A. Rochefort is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Northeastern University.
Content
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Telling the Story of Systemic Failure
Part I: Theoretical Considerations
1. The System as Panacea, Uncertain Promise, and Scourge
2. Narrative and Its Political Uses
Part II: Four Social Problem Novels
3. Health Care, But at What Cost?
4. Falling into the Cracks of Our Mental Health (Non)System
5. How Deep the Despair of Life in the Precariat
6. Justice Denied
Part III: Conclusion
7. Empathic Policy Argument, Agenda Setting, and the Culture Wars
Appendix A: A Partial Listing of Social Problem Novels since 2000
Notes
Index
Introduction: Telling the Story of Systemic Failure
Part I: Theoretical Considerations
1. The System as Panacea, Uncertain Promise, and Scourge
2. Narrative and Its Political Uses
Part II: Four Social Problem Novels
3. Health Care, But at What Cost?
4. Falling into the Cracks of Our Mental Health (Non)System
5. How Deep the Despair of Life in the Precariat
6. Justice Denied
Part III: Conclusion
7. Empathic Policy Argument, Agenda Setting, and the Culture Wars
Appendix A: A Partial Listing of Social Problem Novels since 2000
Notes
Index