Define and discuss the advocacy-coalition framework. What problem in the policy process does this model help to address. Give an example of how the model works.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The advocacy-coalition framework (ACF) is concerned specifically with policy change and argues that change comes about through the clash of ideas, as manifested in an existing policy coalition and potential replacement. ACF address conflict among actors, something missing in the stages model. ACF argues that actors form coalitions in policy subsystems in support of core beliefs surrounding the policy. When these core beliefs are challenged, the conflict is worked out through bargaining, resulting in a new synthesis about policy that will be institutionalized and set stage for the next round of policy change. ACF was developed specifically to address issues in which there is substantial disagreement about values or feasibility. It is about policy change and the need to move from one equilibrium to another. Most policy subsytems are stable until confronted by an external shock or opportunity for learning. The ACF model provides a means of understanding how change may occur within the seemingly stable, path-dependent models. It is a means of introducing conflict into models and understanding the dynamics of policy change in the context of apparent stability. An example of this model in action would be the clash of ideas between industrialists and environmentalists. An environmentalist would not be willing to give up his/her core belief in environmental values. However, to achieve policies in support of these values, he/she might compromise with industry on issues such as acceptable levels of pollution or the use of particular areas of land. This compromise could lead to operational coalitions with industry representatives.