Systems from Hell

Problem Definition and the Literary Portrayal of Failure in Our Public Policy and Social Institutions

AvDavid A. Rochefort

Häftad, Engelska, 2025

Del i serien SUNY series in New Political Science

441 kr

Beställningsvara. Skickas inom 5-8 vardagar. Fri frakt över 249 kr.

Fler format och utgåvor

Inbunden

1 456 kr

Beskrivning

Examines how contemporary novels document and define social problems using a variety of narrative techniques to focus attention on systemic failure.This book approaches contemporary fiction as a medium for policy advocacy, one whose narrative devices both link it to, and distinguish it from, other forms of public discourse. Using the framework of political agenda setting, David A. Rochefort analyzes the rhetorical function of problem definition played by literary works when they document and characterize social issues while sounding the call for systemic reform. Focusing on a group of noteworthy realist novels by American authors over the past twenty years, this study maintains that fictional narrative is a potentially influential instrument of "empathic policy argument." The book closes by examining the agenda-setting dynamics through which a social problem novel can contribute to the process of policy change.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum:2025-06-02
Mått:152 x 229 x 24 mm
Vikt:431 g
Format:Häftad
Språk:Engelska
Serie:SUNY series in New Political Science
Antal sidor:300
Förlag:State University of New York Press
ISBN:9798855800258

Utforska kategorier

Mer om författaren

David A. Rochefort is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Northeastern University.

Recensioner i media

"Systems from Hell is a fascinating exploration of a very difficult subject: policy failure. The approach is magisterial because Rochefort builds on his pioneering work on problem definition to push the boundaries beyond agenda setting. But he does it in a way that is original, unique, and highly relevant: through the analysis of social problem fiction. I don't know of any policy study that does so as effectively as his book does." — Nikolaos Zahariadis, author of The European Union in the 21st Century"David Rochefort offers supremely insightful readings of political novels and demonstrates how fiction can move audiences to empathy, outrage, and deep understanding of our most intractable policy controversies. Would-be political reformers from students to seasoned consultants and politicians should forget all the cognitive science and punditry and study this book instead." — Deborah Stone, author of Policy Paradox: The Art of Political Decision Making

Innehållsförteckning

AcknowledgmentsIntroduction: Telling the Story of Systemic FailurePart I: Theoretical Considerations 1. The System as Panacea, Uncertain Promise, and Scourge2. Narrative and Its Political UsesPart II: Four Social Problem Novels 3. Health Care, But at What Cost?4. Falling into the Cracks of Our Mental Health (Non)System5. How Deep the Despair of Life in the Precariat6. Justice DeniedPart III: Conclusion 7. Empathic Policy Argument, Agenda Setting, and the Culture WarsAppendix A: A Partial Listing of Social Problem Novels since 2000NotesIndex

Mark Mattern

Judith Grant, Vincent G. Jungkunz

Inbunden

1 057 kr