Policy, often considered to be a domain separate from politics and administration (although it is deeply intertwined), is the set of decisions that guide government action. It encompasses laws, regulations, guidelines and actions that address relevant and problematic social issues. Policy is implemented through programs. It is characterized by varying levels of discretion in terms of details, scope and implementation. It can be influenced by many factors such as political environment, economy, prevailing ideological values, citizens’ attitudes and the structure of government.
The process of policy making has different stages: agenda setting, problem definition and deciding which issues require attention. Agenda setting involves identifying and listing problems that need attention, finding which ones are important to the public, and what the nature of those problems are. Problem definition includes interpreting those problems, bringing relevance to the problem and finding solutions that are feasible.
This includes analyzing the costs and consequences of possible policies, considering budgets and the financial, environmental, structural constraints on policy options and proposals. The emergence of social movements also plays a role in the formation and effectiveness of policy, as evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic where local policies responded to the public’s demands and needs in an effective manner.
Distribution policies focus on reducing inequality and promoting the economic and social well-being of individuals or groups. They include a variety of programs such as:
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