beleidsparadigma

Beleidsparadigma refers to a fundamental model or framework that shapes how policy problems are understood, defined, and addressed. It encompasses the underlying assumptions, values, concepts, and methodologies that guide policymakers and analysts in their approach to a particular issue. A policy paradigm influences what is considered a legitimate problem, what kinds of solutions are deemed feasible or desirable, and how policy outcomes are evaluated.

Paradigms are not static; they can evolve over time, often in response to significant events, new knowledge, or shifts in societal values. A change in policy paradigm can lead to a reorientation of policy goals, instruments, and institutions. For example, a shift from an economic growth paradigm to a sustainability paradigm might redefine environmental protection not as a constraint on development, but as an integral component of it.

Identifying the dominant policy paradigm in a given area can provide crucial insights into the logic and direction of existing policies. It helps to explain why certain policies are pursued and others are not, and can be a key factor in understanding policy successes and failures. Overcoming entrenched paradigms can be challenging, as they often become deeply embedded in the discourse and practices of policy communities.