Global Coupling: Multiple Streams and Education Policy Process in Korea

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable Session 18
  In Roundtable Session: Comparative Education Policy

Abstract

Kingdon’s (1984) multiple streams framework (MSF) developed in the United States explains that policy change occurs when problem, policy, and political streams are coupled at critical points in time. This study analyzes a radical education reform in Korea to assess the explanatory power of MSF in a non-U.S. context. The findings imply that MSF needs to consider the influence of “global coupling” on policy process in which domestic streams are often coupled with global indicators and problems. In times of political and institutional uncertainty, policy entrepreneurs seek to legitimize a policy using global norms and best practices. Furthermore, international standards serve as common references to form alliances and promote a policy by scandalizing or glorifying the current system.

Author

• Chanwoong Baek, Teachers College, Columbia University