Analysing policy failure as an argumentative strategy in the policymaking process: A pragmatist perspective

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to focus on policy failure as a concept that stakeholders use. Our article will first address how researchers define failure to explore some different dimensions of the concept. Second, we will highlight the political and subjective dimension relative to how policymakers use the concept of failure as critical judgement. Last, we will show that while failure is a critical judgement, it should not be overlooked by researchers seeking to understand the policy process. In this article, we argue that stakeholders’ production and use of critical judgement play a fundamental role in policymaking.