Arguments within social theory have only recently been brought to bear on social policy or policy analysis. This paper sketches some of the principles of structuralism and hermeneutics, and argues that these traditions can help us better to read policy. Several recent examples of Government and alternative policy are then analysed in order to illustrate the critical claims advanced. The broad proposal is put that language is far more important than often recognised, and that a greater collaboration between social policy and social theory might do much to advance debate.
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