Improving comprehension of public policy design using social constructions of target populations theory

Abstract

Schneider and Ingram’s seminal work on how social constructions of target populations and political power combine to influence policy design helps explain why some groups receive beneficial policies while others are targeted with punitive policies. To assist students in understanding Schneider and Ingram’s theory in policy designs, we developed a two-part assignment comprised of (1) an introductory in-class group exercise where students place specified target groups into Schneider and Ingram’s social construction/political power matrix and (2) a homework assignment requiring students to populate the matrix using data collected through a basic content analysis of mass media. The target groups were selected to match policy cases to be covered later in the course and students use the completed matrix throughout the semester for periodic reflection, reassessment, and refinement. The two-part assignment helped students develop a better appreciation of the role of values and politics in the policy process and to discern when policy disagreements were measurement or values based. The assignment also helped students see how fairness and deservedness are conceptualized differently by opposing sides in policy debates, and the role of popular opinion and bias versus formal theories of justice in the formulation of social constructs of target groups.