Resources
Critical and interpretive policy research is an ever-evolving field, with a wide array of information sources available. This page organizes links to relevant groups, networks, journals, and key publications that shape the field of critical and interpretive policy research.
Groups and Networks
Interpretive Methodologies and Methods (IMM) Conference Group (APSA)
The IMM provides a forum for discussing methodologies and methods related to empirical interpretive research, addressing issues within contemporary political science. Key activities include workshops and conference sessions focused on interpretive methods and research.
ECPR Standing Group on Theoretical Perspectives in Policy Analysis
This group follows the argumentative turn in policy analysis, engaging with interpretive, deliberative, and practice-based approaches. It organizes panels and events at ECPR conferences.
The International Public Policy Association (IPPA)
The IPPA frequently features workshops, panels, and summer schools run by members of the critical and interpretive policy research community, providing opportunities to engage with the latest research.
Interpretation, Method and Critique (IMC) Network and Research Cluster
This collaborative network, founded at ANU, raises the profile of interpretivist social science within the Australian academy. It organizes cross-disciplinary workshops and events.
Journals
Critical Policy Studies
A leading journal in the field of interpretive policy analysis, focusing on critical approaches to policy research. It features contributions that advance deliberative, interpretive, and critical policy studies.
Policy Studies
This journal regularly publishes special issues on critical and interpretive approaches, such as “Deliberative Policy Analysis 2.0” and other key topics in the field.
Administrative Theory & Praxis
An established journal that explores the theoretical and practical dimensions of public administration and policy, often engaging with interpretive and critical methodologies.
Mailing Lists
Interpretive Methodologies and Methods (IMM) Listserv
This mailing list provides updates on interpretive methods, community news, announcements, calls for papers, and other related opportunities. All members are welcome to contribute news and events.
Critical Policy Studies Listserv
The CPS listserv shares information on critical policy research, community news, and announcements, including calls for papers and upcoming events.
Key Publications and Readings
Domain-Defining Monographs and Edited Volumes
- Fischer, F., Forester, J. (1993). The Argumentative Turn in Policy Analysis and Planning. Duke University Press.
- Yanow, D. (1996). How Does a Policy Mean? Interpreting Policy and Organizational Actions. Georgetown University Press.
- Fischer, F. (2003). Reframing Public Policy: Discursive Politics and Deliberative Practices. Oxford University Press.
- Hajer, M., Wagenaar, H. (2003). Deliberative Policy Analysis: Understanding Governance in the Network Society. Cambridge University Press.
- Glynos, J., Howarth, D. (2007). Logics of Critical Explanation in Social and Political Theory. Routledge.
- Bacchi, C. (2009). Analysing Policy: What’s the Problem Represented to Be? Pearson Education.
- Sum, N.-L., Jessop, B. (2013). Towards a Cultural Political Economy: Putting Culture in Its Place in Political Economy. Edward Elgar Publishing.
- Bartels, K.P.R., Wittmayer, J.M. (Eds.) (2018). Action Research in Policy Analysis: Critical and Relational Approaches to Sustainability Transitions. Routledge.
Handbooks
- Fischer, F., Torgerson, D., Durnová, A., Orsini, M. (Eds.) (2015). Handbook of Critical Policy Studies. Edward Elgar Publishing.
- Bevir, M., Rhodes, R.A. (2016). Rethinking Governance: Ruling, Rationalities and Resistance. Routledge.
- Colebatch, H.K. (2018). Handbook on Policy, Process and Governing. Edward Elgar Publishing.
- Scherrer, C., Garcia, A., Wullweber, J. (Eds.) (2023). Handbook on Critical Political Economy and Public Policy. Edward Elgar Publishing.
Methods Books
- Yanow, D. (2000). Conducting Interpretive Policy Analysis. Sage.
- Wagenaar, H. (2014). Meaning in Action: Interpretation and Dialogue in Policy Analysis. Routledge.
- Schwartz-Shea, P., Yanow, D. (2013). Interpretive Research Design: Concepts and Processes. Routledge.
- Yanow, D., Schwartz-Shea, P. (2015). Interpretation and Method: Empirical Research Methods and the Interpretive Turn. Routledge.
- Bacchi, C., Goodwin, S. (2016). Poststructural Policy Analysis: A Guide to Practice. Palgrave Macmillan.
- Curato, N., Dryzek, J.S., Ercan, S.A., Hendriks, C.M., Niemeyer, S. (2022). Research Methods in Deliberative Democracy. Routledge.
Special Issues and Articles
- Bartels, K.P.R., Wittmayer, J.M. (Eds.) (2014). “Introduction to Symposium: Usable Knowledge in Practice. What Action Research Has to Offer to Critical Policy Studies,” Critical Policy Studies, 8(4), 397-406.
- Koen P.R. Bartels, Hendrik Wagenaar, Ya Li (2020). “Introduction: Towards Deliberative Policy Analysis 2.0,” Policy Studies, 41(4), 295-306.
- Li, Y., Wagenaar, H. (2019). “Revisiting Deliberative Policy Analysis.” Policy Studies, 40(5), 427-436.
- Boossabong, P. (2024). “Mapping Networks of Critical Policy Studies,” Critical Policy Studies.
Series
- Advances in Critical Policy Studies Series
Edited by Jennifer Dodge, Frank Fischer, and Holger Straßheim, this series features books advancing critical policy analysis.
- Handbooks of Research on Public Policy Series
Edited by Frank Fischer, this series offers comprehensive overviews of key topics in public policy research.
Multimedia Initiatives
Video Series on Critical Interpretive Policy Studies
The Video Series on Critical Interpretive Policy Studies is a regular series presented by the Critical Policy Studies Network. These videos aim to provide valuable insights and enhance the understanding of critical-interpretive approaches in public policy.
- About the Series
The video series features leading scholars and practitioners, offering diverse perspectives on key theories, concepts, and methodologies. Each video is designed to be both informative and engaging, making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience.
- Stay Tuned
The Critical Policy Studies Network will be releasing videos periodically, available on their YouTube channel. Subscribe and follow on social media to stay updated on the latest releases.
New Books in Interpretive Political and Social Science Podcast
The New Books in Interpretive Political and Social Science Podcast is an independent series, exploring impactful books in interpretive political and social science. This podcast provides fresh insights into interpretive approaches in these fields, offering a platform for leading scholars and authors to discuss their work.
- About the Podcast
Hosted by Nick Cheesman from the Australian National University (ANU), the podcast features discussions on many of the latest books in interpretive political and social science, including books from the Routledge Series on Interpretive Method. It offers a space for authors to share insights about their research and engage with broader audiences.
- Stay Connected
New episodes are released periodically via the New Books in Political Science channel. Subscribe to stay updated on the latest releases.
Interpretivists do Interpretive Methods Series
The Interpretive Methodologies and Methods APSA-related group is delighted to announce a new series of online events titled the Interpretivists do Interpretive Methods Series. This series convenes interpretivist scholars to present their work, highlighting their theoretical interventions and, most importantly, discussing the process, challenges, and promises of their methodological approach. The series aims to provide a forum where scholars can learn from the experiences of others who have successfully deployed interpretive methodologies and methods in political science.
These events will be held online and are open to the public, but registration is required.
