Study of the Social Constructivism Approach in Analyzing the Implementation of Public Policies

Document Type : researcher

Authors
Behrooz Rezaeemanesh 1
Vahid Shalchi 2
Hadi Khanmohammadi 1
Mohsen Jafarimoghaddam 3
1 Associate Professor, Department of Public Administration, Allameh Tabataba’i University
2 Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Allameh Tabataba’i University
3 PhD Candidate in Public Administration, Allameh Tabataba’i University
10.22034/scm.2025.494715.1830
Abstract
Public policy studies often address public issues from the perspective of management and administrative sciences, naturally focusing on topics such as policy formulation models, governance systems, administrative organizations, and related subjects. In Iran, analyses have predominantly adhered to the positivist paradigm and rationalist approaches, with limited attention given to topics such as the social construction of policy target groups, stakeholder involvement in decision-making and implementation structures, and the influence of power relations in public policy-making.

"Constructivist public policy-making" represents a paradigm that examines public policies through the lens of informal power relations, social structures, and the distribution of costs and benefits in society. Within this framework, public policies have the potential to either reinforce or transform social structures, serving as tools for reorganizing power dynamics. Understanding public policies within this paradigm requires a comprehensive analysis of the policy-making environment and the key stakeholders involved.

This article aims, through an interdisciplinary lens and by elaborating on the social constructivist approach to policy-making and its key concepts, to demonstrate the utility of this paradigm in understanding public policies and analyzing their implementation in society. The teachings of this approach suggest that the successful implementation of policies is contingent upon the active involvement of stakeholders and achieving a balance of power among the state, the market, and society.

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Society Culture Media
Volume 13, Issue 53
Winter 2025
Pages 97-125

  • Receive Date 21 December 2024
  • Revise Date 10 January 2025
  • Accept Date 11 January 2025