Community Psychology and Transformative Policy Change in the Neo‐liberal Era
- 23 July 2013
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in American Journal of Community Psychology
- Vol. 52 (3-4), 211-223
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10464-013-9591-5
Abstract
I present ideas about how community psychologists, as researcher-activists, can influence public policy. I begin by describing the current neo-liberal era, noting the immense obstacles it poses to progressive policy change. Next I contrast two approaches to understanding policy formation, evidence-based policy and discursive policy analysis, and argue that transformative policy change can benefit from both approaches. I then propose three types of policy outcomes that community psychology research and activism should aim to promote: (a) shaping problem definition, (b) controlling channels for debate and participation, and (c) allocating resources. I use examples from community psychologists’ involvement in policy, mostly in Canada, to illustrate how such policy change can be both achieved and constrained. I conclude by discussing implications for theory and practice related to policy change.Keywords
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