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The Dynamics of Justification in Policy Reform: Insights from Water Policy Debates in Ireland
Date Issued
2018-04-01
Date Available
2019-05-09T08:32:21Z
Abstract
Policy reform can be complex and fraught with contending arguments. Although much research has been conducted into the politics of coalition formation, less attention has been devoted to legitimating logics in policy reform. Drawing on the work of Boltanski and Thévenot, this exploratory study addresses this deficit by examining the influence of justifications deployed in policy debates. The paper analyses the role of shifting reasoning in contentious debates concerning attempts to reform water policy, including the introduction of domestic water charges in Ireland. Employing data from parliamentary deliberations, the paper traces the changing forms of justification used by those favouring and opposing the reforms. This examination suggests the importance of aligning an argument’s content with the shifting context into which it is introduced. The paper highlights the benefits of an investigative approach concerning policy justification for understanding policy reform dynamics at the intersection of politics and environmental communication.
Type of Material
Journal Article
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Journal
Environmental Communication
Volume
12
Issue
4
Start Page
451
End Page
461
Copyright (Published Version)
2018 Taylor & Francis
Language
English
Status of Item
Peer reviewed
ISSN
1752-4032
This item is made available under a Creative Commons License
File(s)
No Thumbnail Available
Name
O’Neill E, Devitt C, Lennon M, Duvall P, Astori L, Ford R, Hughes C_Env Com_pre-proofs.docx
Size
57.71 KB
Format
Owning collection
Scopus© citations
8
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