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The science-policy relationship in times of crisis: An urgent call for a pragmatist turn

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  • Greenhalgh, Trisha
  • Engebretsen, Eivind

Abstract

In this conceptual paper, we argue that at times of crisis, what is sometimes called “evidence-based” or “science-driven” policymaking—establishing scientific truths and then implementing them—must be tempered by a more agile, deliberative and inclusive approach which acknowledges and embraces uncertainty. We offer pragmatism as one potential option, using examples from the UK to illustrate how such an approach might have changed particular crisis decisions and led to better outcomes. We propose that to better prepare for the next public health crisis, five pragmatism-informed shifts are needed in the science-policy relationship: from scientism to science-informed narrative rationality that emerges from practice; from knowledge-then-action to acting judiciously under uncertainty; from hierarchies of evidence to pluralist inquiry; from polarized camps to frame-reflective dialogue; and from an “inside-track” science-policy dialogue to greater participatory democracy. We suggest an agenda for a pragmatist-informed program of applied research on crisis public health policymaking.

Suggested Citation

  • Greenhalgh, Trisha & Engebretsen, Eivind, 2022. "The science-policy relationship in times of crisis: An urgent call for a pragmatist turn," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 306(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:306:y:2022:i:c:s0277953622004464
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115140
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    2. de Graaff, Bert & Huizenga, Sabrina & van de Bovenkamp, Hester & Bal, Roland, 2023. "Framing the pandemic: Multiplying “crises” in Dutch healthcare governance during the emerging COVID-19 pandemic," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 328(C).
    3. Kihlström, Laura & Siemes, Lea & Huhtakangas, Moona & Keskimäki, Ilmo & Tynkkynen, Liina-Kaisa, 2023. "Power and politics in a pandemic: Insights from Finnish health system leaders during COVID-19," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 321(C).

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