In the margins of public action: Studying the activities which constitute the relays of political regulation
Frau, Caroline
In the margins of public action: Studying the activities which constitute the relays of political regulation - 2022.
70
Analysis of “relays” extends the exploration of the chains of intermediation in public policy by focusing research attention on non-instituted, informal delegations which involve, sometimes despite themselves, private actors whose everyday work practices transmit the circulation of governmental orders into societies. These protagonists are neither professionally nor officially meant to implement policies, but de facto do so whilst carrying out their actual jobs, although each with varying degrees of consciousness, dedication, goodwill or reluctance, and within more or less constraining frameworks. Studying these actors and processes allows analysis to broaden the spectrum of actors who intervene as mediators of public policy, thus defining its very outreach. Those designated here as “relays” appear superficially to be remote and intermittent participants in the policy process but they are often crucial to it. Frequently caught up in contradictory logics, they are both receivers and re-transmitters of governmental orders. From this pivotal position, they contribute to the realization of policies with uneven levels of efficiency and even of effectiveness. Producing knowledge about the activities conducted at the margins of public policy by unofficial support staff enriches our understanding of the complex networks which channel state norms towards citizens. Taking these “relays” of public policy seriously thus refines the analysis of the social arrangements that underpin the very scope of state power.
In the margins of public action: Studying the activities which constitute the relays of political regulation - 2022.
70
Analysis of “relays” extends the exploration of the chains of intermediation in public policy by focusing research attention on non-instituted, informal delegations which involve, sometimes despite themselves, private actors whose everyday work practices transmit the circulation of governmental orders into societies. These protagonists are neither professionally nor officially meant to implement policies, but de facto do so whilst carrying out their actual jobs, although each with varying degrees of consciousness, dedication, goodwill or reluctance, and within more or less constraining frameworks. Studying these actors and processes allows analysis to broaden the spectrum of actors who intervene as mediators of public policy, thus defining its very outreach. Those designated here as “relays” appear superficially to be remote and intermittent participants in the policy process but they are often crucial to it. Frequently caught up in contradictory logics, they are both receivers and re-transmitters of governmental orders. From this pivotal position, they contribute to the realization of policies with uneven levels of efficiency and even of effectiveness. Producing knowledge about the activities conducted at the margins of public policy by unofficial support staff enriches our understanding of the complex networks which channel state norms towards citizens. Taking these “relays” of public policy seriously thus refines the analysis of the social arrangements that underpin the very scope of state power.
Réseaux sociaux