Techniques of Social Policy ANanlysis

Guidelines for Social Policy Analysis :

Chambers has developed an approach to public policy analysis that is relatively simple and straightforward. As such it is especially helpful in  identifying the key questions that should be addressed by occassional policy analyst :
1. Social Problem Analysis - the first step in understanding policy or program is to have a clear understanding of the social problem that created a situation requiring a policy analyst.

• identify how a problem is defined and locate estimates of its magnitude. for eg, what definition of poverty, mental illness and unemployment is commonly used ? are there other definitions  that might more appropriately be used? how many people experience this problem as it is defined? what sub populations are more likely to face it
• determine the causes and consequences of the problem, what social factors have caused this problem, what has been the result,  are there multiple causes?
• identify what are the ideological beliefs or basic principles that are embedded in the description of the problem. 
• identify the gainers and losers in relation to the problem, who gains from the existence of the problem, what do they gain and how much, who loses, what do they lose and how much?how negative consequences on the lives of the losers

2. Social program and program analysis - once the problem is understood the next step is to assess the policy or program  that is being considered as a means of offering relief to the victims of the problems. the following activities are useful for this analysis

• search out the relevant program and policy history. is this a new problem? why is it being raised now? what is different from the past efforts to deal with the problem? have conditions, values or both changed to make this matter relevant now?
• identify the key elements or operating characteristics of the proposed policy or program . what are the goals ans objectives of the proposal?  who would be eligible to benefit from the plan?  what benefits or services would be delivered if this proposal gains approval? what administrative structure would be required and how it would work? how would be the program financed and how much money would be required? are there any undesirable consequences from interactions among the characteristics listed above. 

3. Draw conclusions. after the information identified  above has been collected, it is necessary to judge the merits of the policy or program under analysis. 

with the solid analysis of the policy program in hand, the social worker is prepared to attempt to influence the legislation  that would impact the social problem under consideration. at times the social worker will work through the committees or groups to affect the decision,  on other occasions it is more appropriate to  contact a legislator directly and express a position on the proposal. 

Reference  -

https://archive.org/stream/techniquesguidel00shea#page/482/mode/1up