Policy Learning and Failure

Abstract

This article conceptualises two forms of policy learning. Instrumental learning entails lessons about the viability of policy instruments or implementation designs. Social learning entails lessons about the social construction of policy problems, the scope of policy, or policy goals. Policy learning can be distinguished from political learning with which policy advocates become more sophisticated in advancing problems and ideas. This article also presents evidence about policy learning for a set of United States policies that have been revised in response to wide-spread perceptions of policy failure. Although in principle policy failure presents opportunities for policy learning, several features of American politics constrain each form of policy learning. Many of these same features foster political learning. © 1992, Cambridge University Press. All rights reserved.