Chapter 11. EMPOWERING CIVIL SOCIETY FOR POLICY CHANGE

Document begins: Chapter 11. EMPOWERING CIVIL SOCIETY FOR POLICY CHANGE 11.1 The p politics o of p policy .it iis tto b be A policy is the result of numerous interactions among the social actors who, directly or indirectly, shape its content, interpretation and implementation. In gen- expected tthat tthe eral, thus, a "policy-making process" reflects the power relations that exist in soci- dominant p policy ety. In other words, it is to be expected that the dominant policy reflects and rein- reflects aand forces the interests of the powerful-- be they the political parties, individuals or reinforces tthe aristocracies in control of government and/ or influential corporations, financial interests o of tthe giants and key market forces. powerful, b be tthey the p political p parties, A few questions help to shed light on the policy making process: "Which actors individuals o or aaris- are involved? Where is "policy-making" actually taking place? Who has the final tocracies iin ccontrol control and say? Whose knowledge is included and whose excluded? Whose of ggovernment aand/ interests are served? Is someone held accountable? If so, to whom, and how?" or iinfluential Asking these questions helps to shift attention from an analysis of ...