Critical and Interpretive Policy Network

The Critical and Interpretive Policy Network is an international platform uniting scholars, researchers, and practitioners engaged in qualitative, interpretive, and critical approaches to public policy and governance analysis. Our work is grounded in the exploration of social construction, power dynamics, and the unintended consequences of governance. We engage with a diverse range of methodologies, including discourse theory and analysis, framing analysis, storytelling, narrative analysis, metaphor analysis, category analysis, hegemony analysis, and practice theory. We also draw inspiration from ethnography, actor-network theory, and other critical approaches in fields such as planning, public administration, policy, science and technology studies, decolonial and Indigenous studies, anthropology, and sustainability.

The Critical and Interpretive Policy Network is organized as a collaboration of groups, networks, and journals supporting critical and interpretive work. Our community is open to anyone interested in or committed to these approaches to policy research and practice, emphasizing inclusivity and openness by not requiring formal membership. We are particularly keen to support new members, groups, and initiatives from various disciplines and regions.

Our Mission

We are dedicated to promoting and advancing interdisciplinary critical and interpretive work on and with policy and governance. Our key goals include:

• Enhancing Scholarly Communication: Facilitating inclusive communication, mutual understanding, and interdisciplinary dialogue across diverse approaches, forums, and contexts.
• Raising Our Profile: Increasing the visibility, reach, and impact of critical and interpretive policy research, including contributions from decolonial and Indigenous studies.
• Supporting Learning and Education: Stimulating and supporting the teaching of critical and interpretive research at all academic levels, fostering new generations of scholars.

What We Offer

Our network connects academics and practitioners across groups, networks, and journals, providing valuable resources and information on global events and opportunities, including:

• Conferences and Workshops: Thematic and general gatherings fostering academic exchange.
• Summer Schools and Courses: Opportunities to deepen knowledge and skills in critical and interpretive methodologies.
• Podcasts, Webinars, and Videos: Accessible resources to stay updated with the latest developments in the field.

Our History

Our network’s history traces back to the 1970s, with key milestones including the establishment of the journals Administrative Theory & Praxis (1999) and Critical Policy Studies (2007). Until 2021, we organized the annual Interpretive Policy Analysis Conference, which provided a protected space for the field’s growth. As critical and interpretive policy research has matured, our panels and workshops have been integrated into major conferences such as ECPR, IPPA, ASPA, and PSA, with research published in leading academic journals.

Stay Connected

The Critical and Interpretive Policy Network is closely linked to Critical Policy Studies, which provides a platform for high-quality publications and ongoing discussions. The Forum Section of Critical Policy Studies is dedicated to debates about the future of critical and interpretive policy research. Contact the Forum Editors if you have ideas for contributions.

• Join us in advancing the field of critical and interpretive policy research!
• Connect with peers, stay informed about upcoming events, and contribute to a vibrant academic community.
• Follow the Critical and Interpretive Policy Network on LinkedIn.
• Subscribe to the mailing lists of our groups, networks, and journals.

Contact
Severine van Bommel (Website)
Koen Bartels (CIPN Facilitator)