Interactions among Policy
Elements
Looking at Program Components
Policy Elements
Coentitlement – people eligible for one program
will be eligible for others (example, TANF, Medical, Food Stamps)
 Disentitlement-use of one benefit will make
people ineligible for others (example, SSI receipt
makes people ineligible for TANF).
 Lipsky argues that there is also a program effect
called “bureaucratic disentitlement – this is when
the rules make it almost impossible for people to
apply for a service and establish eligibility for it.
(for example, the relative responsibility rule; some
types of work requirements or eligibility
restrictions)
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Program Elements (continued)
Contrary effects – operation of one program or policy
cancels out another.
(For example, increasing accountability or paperwork
requirements may decrease program access).
 Duplication of services (someone may receive the same
benefits from more than one source – prompting concerns
about the individual receiving too much and reducing
services/benefits available to others.)
 Government-level interaction. Benefits administered or
financed at one level may cancel out those received at
another. (example – receipt of emergency shelter or food
may affect eligibility for some types of federal benefits).
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Things to take into consideration in
policy analysis:
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Context of Social Problem
Definition of Problem
Ideological Perspective
Causal analysis (what theories are used to explain
the problem).
Gainers & Losers
Judicial & Historical Context
Social Program/Policy
Goals & Objectives
Eligibility Rules
Benefit or Service
Policy analysis (continued)
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Administration & Service Delivery
Program Theory (why is program expected to work/causal chain)
Program Design
Type of Service Delivery Organization
Is it integrated/continuous?
Accessible
How is accountability enforced?
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Financing Mechanism
Example: Child Abuse Programs
What are the theories about why child
abuse happens?
 Have our ideas about child abuse changed
over time?
 What types of programs are effective in
counseling adult abusers? What are the
theories associated with these programs?
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