TY - JOUR
T1 - Revisiting the Base in Evidence-Based Policy
AU - Schneider, Mike D
AU - Slanickova, Helena
AU - Rubin, Hannah
AU - Heesen, Remco
AU - Schwenkenbecher, Anne
AU - Bortolus, Alejandro
AU - Chukwu, Emelda E
AU - Hewitt, Chad L
AU - Kaufer, Ricardo
AU - Schwindt, Evangelina
AU - Sogbanmu, Temitope O
AU - Woolaston, Katie
AU - Yu, Li-an
PY - 2025/3/12
Y1 - 2025/3/12
N2 - Evidence-based policy (EBP) has become widely embraced for its commitment to greater uptake of scientific knowledge in policymaking. But what legitimizes EBP and in what respect are evidence-based policymaking practices better than other policymaking practices? In this article, we distinguish and refine three potential legitimizers of EBP. We suggest that evidence-based policymaking practices are better because they “follow the science,” because they focus on “what works,” or because they “follow the rules.” We discuss some consequences, for advocates of EBP, of consciously adopting one or other of these legitimizers. Finally, we examine whether it is appropriate to switch from advocating for EBP to advocating for evidence-informed policy.
AB - Evidence-based policy (EBP) has become widely embraced for its commitment to greater uptake of scientific knowledge in policymaking. But what legitimizes EBP and in what respect are evidence-based policymaking practices better than other policymaking practices? In this article, we distinguish and refine three potential legitimizers of EBP. We suggest that evidence-based policymaking practices are better because they “follow the science,” because they focus on “what works,” or because they “follow the rules.” We discuss some consequences, for advocates of EBP, of consciously adopting one or other of these legitimizers. Finally, we examine whether it is appropriate to switch from advocating for EBP to advocating for evidence-informed policy.
U2 - 10.1177/00323217251320728
DO - 10.1177/00323217251320728
M3 - Article
SN - 0032-3217
JO - Political Studies
JF - Political Studies
ER -