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Policy logics, framing strategies, and policy change: lessons from universal pre-k policy debates in California and Florida

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  • Linda White
  • Adrienne Davidson
  • Heather Millar
  • Milena Pandy
  • Juliana Yi

Abstract

This article examines the dynamics underpinning universal pre-kindergarten policy debates in California and Florida in light of theories of policy investment, policy change, and sustainability of policy reforms. Because the expansion of prekindergarten raises key considerations about the appropriate role of the state in education and educational socialization experiences for young children, and because these investments involve significant budgetary outlays, they trigger two logics: a policy investment logic that leverages the power of evidence-based arguments and instrumentally rational calculations about costs and benefits of early years investments; and a cultural logic that rests on societal and policymakers’ views about and trust in the state vis-à-vis the family and market. Media analysis of public debates in California reveals that instrumentally rational arguments about the benefits of universal pre-k were trumped by arguments based on appeals to principled beliefs about appropriate levels of state involvement. It also finds that this policy area is particularly susceptible to challenges to the legitimacy of political leaders. These cases thus provide important insights into the kinds of complex political factors that go into getting and sustaining social policy investments over the long term. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media New York 2015

Suggested Citation

  • Linda White & Adrienne Davidson & Heather Millar & Milena Pandy & Juliana Yi, 2015. "Policy logics, framing strategies, and policy change: lessons from universal pre-k policy debates in California and Florida," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 48(4), pages 395-413, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:kap:policy:v:48:y:2015:i:4:p:395-413
    DOI: 10.1007/s11077-015-9234-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Charles R. Shipan & Craig Volden, 2008. "The Mechanisms of Policy Diffusion," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 52(4), pages 840-857, October.
    2. Clive R Belfield & Milagros Nores & Steve Barnett & Lawrence Schweinhart, 2006. "The High/Scope Perry Preschool Program: Cost–Benefit Analysis Using Data from the Age-40 Followup," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 41(1).
    3. Collier, David & Messick, Richard E., 1975. "Prerequisites Versus Diffusion: Testing Alternative Explanations of Social Security Adoption," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 69(4), pages 1299-1315, December.
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