Using Cultural Theory to Specify Underspecified Aspects of Policy Theory

Abstract

Rational Choice (RC), institutionalist, and post-positivist approaches to policy theory have significantly advanced scholarly understandings, as have Punctuated Equilibria Theory (PET), The Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF), and Policy Network Theory (PNT), which to some extent draw on these approaches. However, as proponents recognize, each of these approaches, theories, and frameworks could be strengthened in a variety of ways. This paper argues that the cultural theory (CT) developed by Mary Douglas, Aaron Wildavsky, and others contains key elements that can help specify underspecified aspects of these approaches, theories, and frameworks, thus promising to help further develop policy theory.