Civic Thinking and Public Policy Analysis: Comparing Models of Civic Action

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: Policy, Reform, and Civic Development

Abstract

Civics educators across the United States have recently incorporated action civics programs into their curricula. These programs resemble many of the key characteristics of the public policy analysis process. Little evidence suggests that civic leaders use this process when engaging a civic issue. This study explores the processes that civic use when thinking aloud about two hypothetical civic action scenarios, comparing their decision-making processes with the public policy analysis process. Qualitative analysis demonstrates that civic leaders engage in the public policy analysis process but also include the crucial initial step of seeking community deliberation. These findings indicate that action civics programs should consider incorporating more community awareness and involvement into the early parts of their action civics curricula.

Author

• Jason C. Fitzgerald, Monmouth University