Policy Analysis Research Articles

“Voices unheard”: a critical policy analysis of teacher participation in South Korea’s 2022 curriculum reform

ABSTRACT This study examines teacher participation in South Korea’s 2022 curriculum reform. Employing critical policy analysis as its primary method and semi-structured interviews with teachers as a supplementary method, this research investigates the mechanisms of teacher engagement and their influence on final policy decisions. Findings reveal a significant gap between the rhetoric of teacher participation and its practical implementation. Although extensive efforts were made to gather teachers’ opinions, their substantive integration into the curriculum has been limited. The decision-making structure often marginalizes educators’ voices due to power imbalances and bureaucratic constraints. Additionally, the politicization of the revision process weakened teachers’ influence as external pressures took precedence. This study reveals that meaningful participation requires mechanisms to ensure teachers’ insights impact policy outcomes. It recommends developing transparent structures for teacher engagement, balancing inclusivity with expertise, and safeguarding reforms from excessive political interference. These insights contribute to a broader discourse on participatory approaches in educational policymaking.

Hope in a paranoid place? Critique, utopianism and prefigurative policy reform

Abstract We are living through cruel and frightening times. How should a progressive policy studies respond? Critique undoubtedly plays a role: the task of exposing the structural conditions, political interests and power asymmetries that lie beneath the ‘prosaic surface’ of policy is an urgent one. But are these primarily deconstructive efforts enough? Can they lead us out of this quagmire, alone? In this article, we argue that something additional – something more generative and hopeful – is also required. In response, we introduce ‘critical utopian policy analysis’ (CUPA) a methodological elaboration of critical policy analysis (CPA) designed to support its use in both deconstructive and reconstructive policy efforts. This approach builds on the theoretical offerings of critical policy analysis, utopianism and prefiguration, to posit a methodological embrace of critique, imagination, enactment and play. It seeks to mobilise a complex nexus of affect – including heartbreak and hope – to motivate and support a range of intellectual undertakings and emancipatory politics.

Ukrainian students on the global map of academic migration

Considering the loss of talented youth in Ukraine caused by migration, there is a growing need to investigate how to attract and retain students. The study aims to identify the peculiarities of Ukrainian student migration against the background of global patterns of academic migration, focusing on factors of countries’ attractiveness for the students. The typology of countries by the level of inbound and outbound academic migration is developed based on variation analysis. The correlation analysis is used to identify the factors that influence countries’ attractiveness to students. The analysis of educational policies of the most attractive countries for Ukrainian students is fulfilled using the contextual analysis of legislative norms on academic mobility. In the global dimension, the variation of both inbound and outbound academic mobility is closely related to a country’s economic level, measured by GNI per capita. However, the correlation analysis did not confirm the higher migration attractiveness of countries with a high level of economic development (correlation with GNI per capita is –0.147). The impact of employment and social and economic resilience of an economy was relatively significant, with the correlation coefficients of 0.426 and 0.371. The analysis of educational policies of host countries showed the active use of language integration tools, the combined use of financial mechanisms, and the involvement of universities in career development. Implementation of the best practices of educational management in Ukraine is critical for restoring demographic and intellectual capital. AcknowledgmentThis study is funded by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine under the project “Higher education in the conditions of war and post-war recovery: Determinants of development to overcome threats to the restoring of human capital” (State registration number 0124U000351).

A snapshot of cancer in Chile II: an update on research, strategies and analytical frameworks for equity, innovation and national development

IntroductionChile has achieved developed nation status and boasts a life expectancy of 81 + years; however, the healthcare and research systems are unprepared for the social and economic burden of cancer. One decade ago, the authors put forward a comprehensive analysis of cancer infrastructure, together with a series of suggestions on research orientated political policy.ObjectivesProvide an update and comment on policy, infrastructure, gender equality, stakeholder participation and new challenges in national oncology. Assess the funding and distribution of cancer investigation. Present actions for the development of oncology research, innovation and patient care.MethodsTriangulating objective system metrics of economic, epidemiological, private and public sector resources together with policy analysis, we assessed cancer burden, infrastructure, and investigation. We analyzed governmental and private-sector cancer databases, complemented by interviews with cancer stakeholders.ResultsGovernmental policy and patient advocacy have led to the recognition of cancer burden, a cancer law, and a national cancer plan. Cancer has become the leading cause of death in Chile (59,876 cases and 31,440 cancer deaths in 2022), yet only 0.36% gross domestic product (GDP) is directed to research and development. Inequalities in treatment regimens persist. Prevention policy has lowered tobacco consumption, sugar intake via soft drinks and offered a high coverage of HPV vaccines. A high-quality cancer research community is expanding, and internationally sponsored clinical oncology trials are increasing.ConclusionsThe cancer law has facilitated advancement in policy. Prevention policies have impacted tobacco and sugar intake, while gender equality and care inequality have entered the public forum. Cancer research is stagnated by the lack of investment. Implementation of a cancer registry and biobanking, reinforcement of prevention strategies, development of human resources, promotion of clinical trial infrastructure and investment in new technologies must be placed as a priority to permit advancements in innovation and equitable cancer care.

Policy Strategy to Combat Illegal Firearms Smuggling as Transnational Organized Crime into Indonesia

Illegal firearms smuggling represents a significant threat to Indonesia's national and regional security. This study seeks to evaluate the Indonesian government’s policies and strategies for mitigating this transnational crime, measure their effectiveness, and uncover persistent challenges. By employing a literature-based approach combined with case data and policy analysis, the study delves into the geographical and institutional complexities that influence the dynamics of arms smuggling in Indonesia. The findings reveal that, despite considerable legislative and operational efforts, gaps in monitoring and enforcement remain, enabling smuggling activities to persist. Key challenges include limited resources, inadequate inter-agency coordination, and the pressing need for stronger international collaboration. To address these issues, the study recommends enhancing inter-agency and international partnerships, improving law enforcement capacity, and launching public awareness campaigns to bridge existing gaps. This research provides actionable insights for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and academics, supporting the development of a more integrated and effective approach to combat illegal firearms smuggling.

Examining Inter-Sectoral Approaches to Address Maternal, Child, and Neonatal Under-Nutrition in Sindh A Policy Analysis

Worldwide, undernutrition persists as a public health concern, with significant implications on maternal, neonatal, and child health, including Pakistan. In response to the rising mortality rates in the province of Sindh, the Integrated Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child & Adolescent Health and Nutrition (IRMNCAH&N) strategy was developed with a vision to improve maternal and child health by improving access to essential health services delivered through a resilient healthcare system, aligning with global health targets. This study evaluates the formulation, implementation, and effectiveness of the IRMNCAH&N strategy for neonates, children under 5 years, and pregnant and lactating women. Through the lens of the Health Policy Triangle (HPT), the analysis assesses the policy content, context, process, and stakeholders involved. Various multifaceted political, socio-economic, structural, cultural, and international interactions were identified in shaping policy formulation and implementation.  The study calls for a multi-sectoral collaboration, emphasizing the need to understand and navigate power dynamics and prioritization of women’s empowerment in addressing the root causes of maternal, neonatal, and child malnutrition especially in the presence of funding gaps, structural inequities, and social and cultural barriers. Drawing insights from successful initiatives of other countries, this policy analysis offers recommendations and lessons for policymakers and other stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of policy interventions in Sindh ultimately contributing to improved maternal, neonatal, and child nutrition outcomes.

Green Pan-Africanism: Normative power and the making of a regional sustainability order

Abstract This article examines the role of normative power in shaping the global sustainability order. It challenges the prevailing focus on hegemonic leadership and norm diffusion from dominant states, arguing that less powerful states have contributed significantly to the global order by creating regional initiatives tailored to their unique contexts. The article adopts an alternative theoretical framework of norm-governed change, comprising norm-building, institutionalisation, and transformation. Using an illustrative case study of Africa’s regional economic institutions, it employs process-tracing and archival analysis of key policy documents. The study demonstrates how African states have proactively embedded environmental norms within their regional initiatives, while contributing to the global sustainability agenda, exemplifying a form of normative power referred to as ‘Green Pan-Africanism’. This approach broadens the understanding of global sustainability governance, positioning less economically powerful actors as active participants in world-making. The findings highlight the critical role of normative power in advancing global sustainability governance, particularly in addressing complex global challenges such as climate change.

Revisiting cumulative harm: Reflecting on new research insights, legislative developments and coronial evidence as a road map for next steps

In 2018, I penned an analysis of national and international approaches to cumulative harm in a child protection context, published in Children Australia, that identified an evolution acknowledging the impact of all harm to children as detrimental. Through analysis of the available policies informing child protection in Australia, it was clear there was a shift towards a more holistic understanding of harm and the impacts of long-term maltreatment. However, a nationwide, collaborative level of consistent practice that placed cumulative harm and reoccurring maltreatment on an equal footing with episodic maltreatment, particularly in relation to notification and reporting, had not yet been achieved. This begs the question, what has occurred to address this need, this gap, and promote the acknowledgement of cumulative harm since 2018? In this paper, I revisit this important topic, reviewing recent scholarly works, legislative developments across Australian jurisdictions and evidence from a decade of coronial inquests into child deaths that provide powerful messages of guidance on responding to cumulative harm.

The Function of the Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) as a Legal Protection Strategy for Customer Deposits Due to Bank Liquidation

This research aims to explore the role of the Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) in protecting customers when banks fail. The research methods used include policy analysis, case studies of failed banks, and reviews of related laws. It is hoped that the research results will provide a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of the legal protection provided by LPS to customers in the context of bank failures and the related compensation claims process. The Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) has a crucial role in protecting customer deposits when banks experience liquidation. In this context, LPS functions as a legal protection strategy for customer deposits held in banks. This action is important to maintain public confidence in banking amidst economic uncertainty. In response to the 1998 monetary crisis, the Indonesian government issued a policy of guaranteeing bank payments, including public deposits, through LPS. The importance of LPS is revealed when banks experience failures that have the potential to threaten the security of customer funds. In this situation, LPS guarantees the customer's refund up to a certain limit, providing the necessary financial protection. This creates a sense of security for customers and promotes banking system stability. With LPS, customers can be assured that their funds are safe even if unexpected events occur in the banking world. The role of LPS as a deposit insurance institution is inherent in the government's efforts to regulate and supervise the financial sector. LPS plays a role as the front guard in protecting customer interests, maintaining financial system stability, and preventing potential losses that could arise due to the possibility of bank failure.

Educational Inequality Among Left-Behind Children in China and Vietnam

This essay delves into the issue of educational inequality faced by left-behind children in China and Vietnam, a challenge closely tied to the rapid economic transformations in both countries that have driven significant internal migration. Children who remain in rural regions often encounter profound academic and social disadvantages, further entrenching cycles of poverty and inequality. Through a comparative lens, this study examines how institutional barriers--such as China’s Hukou system--and Vietnam’s geographical and ethnic divisions exacerbate these disparities in education. The research draws upon government policy analyses, demographic trends, and existing scholarly work to illuminate the particular obstacles these children face. The findings underscore that in China, the Hukou system serves as a key obstacle to rural children’s access to high-quality education, whereas in Vietnam, ethnic minorities and those living in isolated areas contend with issues such as language barriers, geographic remoteness, and the impacts of climate change. The essay concludes with recommendations for policy reform and future areas of study, advocating for more comprehensive strategies and international cooperation to address the entrenched inequalities at play.

Curriculum wars: A critical policy analysis of K-12 critical race theory bills in state legislatures in the United States

The 2017 inauguration of Donald J. Trump sparked polarizing policies, notably Executive Order 13950’s stance on “combating race and sex stereotyping.” Using critical policy analysis, we examined 290 state legislature bills from 2017–2022 to compare strategies affecting discussions on racism, bias, and contributions of racial or ethnic groups in public K-12 education. We explored how state-level policymakers wielded power through legislative policy framing and the redistribution of knowledge and resources. Although most bills (74.6%) designed to restrict these discussions failed, were withdrawn, or expired, legislators notably used them to hinder open discourse in educational settings. Our comparative analysis identified only 12 formally introduced legislative efforts in support of these discussions, contrasted with 278 restrictive bills. This orchestrated effort, primarily driven by well-funded, far-right conservative noneducators, may not align with broader public sentiment. Our analysis underscores the urgent need for practice, policy, and research recommendations to counter this ongoing political campaign and ensure equitable and inclusive education for all.

Examining Development Studies (DS) Teaching Philosophy, Methods and Desired Competences in Lesotho Secondary Context

Using qualitative approach in document analysis of educational policies and syllabi in CAP (2009) and the Integrated Grade 8 Social Sciences Syllabus 2017, the study sets out to explore Development Studies (DS) teaching philosophy, methods and the desired competences in Lesotho secondary schools. The subject was introduced in order to achieve the goals of self-reliance through education with production. It was further meant to explore the theory underpinning the subject, appropriate instructional strategies and pertinent subject philosophy. The findings revealed that DS as a subject is couched in Constructivism Theory (CT) which upholds that liberatory, critical or transformative pedagogies are more suitable as opposed to transmission or didactic pedagogies. Transformative pedagogies are understood to promote desired competences including innovativeness, creativity, problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, practical and research skills. The outlined skills are dependent on the teacher’s astute subject pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) calling for deployment of learner centred or actively engaging teaching and learning approaches in DS classrooms.

The Economics of Identity

This paper examines and critiques top-down institutional EDI policies and plans from Canadian academic libraries. Using David James Hudson’s critique of how the diversity model overemphasizes representation over meaningful action, this paper explores how the EDI plans and policies at Canadian academic libraries facilitate the exchange of racial capital, thereby reducing racialized identities to currency. To explore pathways forward, I conducted a thematic analysis of EDI plans and policies from all Canadian academic libraries. This thematic analysis informs strategies for how people within Canadian academic institutions can move beyond the diversity model to recentre meaningful and effective equity work. The paper closes with a call towards embedded EDI practices informed by Indigenous concepts of decolonial indigenization and relationality.

To Consent and to Refuse Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Study of Consent Documents and Court Orders in the Province of Quebec, Canada

The objective of this article is to offer a critical analysis of policies and practices concerning consent and refusal of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in terms of their compliance with the legal principles concerning consent to treatment. Using the province of Quebec, Canada, as a case study, we first identified consenting documents and court orders for ECT treatments; we then critically appraised them using National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines on ECT as a gold standard. We find that consent documents suffer lack of clarity and transparency regarding ECT’s medical indication, risks, and benefits. The review of court orders reveals a paucity of information pertaining to the diagnosis, clinical indications, benefits, and potential risks associated with ECT for patients who lack the capacity for consent.

POLICY IMPLEMENTATION TO ACCELERATE STUNTING REDUCTION: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Background: The prevalence of stunting in Kepahyang Regency in Bengkulu Province is high (24.9%). Despite the policy of Accelerating Stunting Reduction or Percepatan Penurunan Stunting (PPS) outlined in Presidential Decree Number 72 of 2021, results have been suboptimal. Aims: This study aims to analyze and evaluate the implementation of PPS policies and identify supporting and inhibiting factors. Methods: Research using a qualitative approach, focusing on the evaluation of achievements of 11 specific nutrition intervention indicators with policy implementation analysis using the strengthening of Edward III policy analysis. Data collection used in-depth interview guidelines with six stakeholders, focus group discussions (FGD) in two groups, and document observation. Informants are selected by purposive sampling. Data analysis uses content analysis. Results: The implementation of PPS in Kepahyang Regency faces communication problems, limited resources, complex bureaucratic structures, and inadequate supervision, which shows the need for increased coordination and support. Village government support and good social conditions are supporting factors, while lack of communication between the village government and the community and minimal budget support are the main obstacles. Conclusion: Communication issues, resource limitations, bureaucratic complexity, and inadequate supervision are the inhibiting factors. Strong support from local government and health workers is the supporting factor. Keywords: implementation, policy, specific nutrition interventions, stunting

Sculpting critical thinkers: A reflection on teaching policy analysis in a South African university

This reflective paper examines the critical thinking levels of final-year, final-semester public administration students at a South African university, using a case study approach. By engaging students in a structured case study, this paper also reveals the value of case-based methods in fostering critical thinking skills within the academic context. The case study challenged students to critically evaluate the dynamics of policy implementation in the context of public service delivery within South Africa. The lecture was designed to emphasize the importance of understanding the motivation behind specific policy formulation and highlight this as the guiding principle for their application in real life contexts. This paper presents reflections of this educational exercise, by exploring the depth of critical thinking and reasoning exhibited by the students as they considered the complexities of public service delivery in South Africa, emphasizing the significance of policy context and its influence on decision-making. Blooms Taxonomy (1956) is used to support the reflections in this regard. The findings of this activity reveal not only the effectiveness of the teaching methodology but also the extent to which students internalised the ethos behind policy creation and its role in shaping policy implementation. The paper underscores the importance of promoting critical thinking, problem-solving skills, as it relates to policy analysis. It also highlights the practical implications of this teaching method in preparing students for future roles in public service and policy development. Additionally, this paper contributes to the ongoing dialogue on enhancing teaching and learning effectiveness in South African universities, emphasizing the importance of engaging students in critical reflection.

Rethinking Holocaust Education Policy

In response to rising antisemitism in the United States, state governments have legislated Holocaust education mandates into their public school curriculum to encourage social-emotional growth in their students. This dynamic of Holocaust education is not unfounded, as the implementation of certain Holocaust education curricula have been shown to correlate with increased tolerance shown by the students, as well as decreased feelings of antisemitism later in life. Employing a traditional policy analysis to the 2020 Texas Holocaust education mandate, this paper finds that while the Texas policy is necessary, research-based and well-intentioned, it does not detail specific curricular expectations, appropriate necessary public funding and outline accountability and evaluation measures. This manuscript outlines paths for improvement in the Texas Holocaust education policy and concludes with a broader discussion of the purpose of Holocaust education moving forward.

Political Profile of Jacob Sullivan

A representative of the realist school of international relations, Jake Sullivan is the National Security Advisor in the Biden administration. He developed his skills as a foreign policy analyst while occupying senior positions at the State Department under Hillary Clinton. His correspondence with Clinton, once made public, revealed him as a skilled political realist. Sullivan has since become one of the most influential figures in Washington, renowned for his negotiating prowess and ability to find compromise.

An overlapping generations version of Krugman’s world’s smallest macroeconomic model and fiscal deficit

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">This paper attempts to introduce an overlapping generations structure into Paul Krugman's "The world's smallest macroeconomic model" (Krugman (1999)) to examine the implications of fiscal policy, particularly fiscal deficits, in a framework suitable for policy analysis. In that paper, Krugman argued that under the price rigidity assumption, a shortage in the money supply leads to underemployment and recession, so increasing the money supply would eliminate underemployment and restore full employment. But how can the money supply be increased? I show that in order to restore full employment out of a recession, a fiscal deficit is needed to increase the money supply. I also show that in a growing economy, fiscal deficits are necessary to maintain full employment at constant prices or inflation. Fiscal deficits are not only effective in pulling the economy out of recession, they are even necessary for growth to continue without recession or inflation. The fiscal deficit in this paper represents the difference between government spending and government revenues. If this difference is positive, we say that the government is in deficit. Krugman's original model is a one-period static model. I intend to extend this model to a dynamic overlapping generations model.</span></p>

Assessing the Efficacy of Public Procurement Policy and Legal Framework To Combat Corruption in Selected Regions in the Western Cape Province, South Africa

Public procurement policies and legal frameworks play a crucial role in shaping the transparency, fairness, and integrity of government transactions. This paper examines and evaluates the effectiveness of public procurement policies and legal structures in addressing and mitigating corruption in selected regions within the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Drawing on a comprehensive review of relevant literature, case studies, and expert opinions, this research aims to provide insights into the existing framework’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential improvements. The main emphasis of this research paper is to assess public procurement policy design and the effectiveness of measures including regulations aimed at combating corruption in the Western Cape’s public sector in South Africa. Public procurement regulations are widely implemented in various governmental institutions around the world. Data were collected from twenty-five public sector organizations in the Western Cape province, South Africa, using three data collection methods: interviews, surveys, and document analysis of procurement policies and guidelines. The study’s key findings demonstrated that a fragmented legal and policy framework is complex and opens avenues of corrupt practices and maladministration. The paper fills the gap in scholarly research by exploring how corrupt practices can be reduced by implementing and operationalising robust, flexible, and outcome-based legal and policy frameworks. This paper contributed to the body of knowledge by making policymakers and implementers aware of the pitfalls of a fragmented and misaligned policy framework in public procurement.