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Typologies, Taxonomies, and the Benefits of Policy Classification

Bibliographic Data

ID6330864
AuthorsKatherine B Smith (0000-0003-0312-2284, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, corresponding author), Kevin B Smith (0000-0003-0424-9367)
Year2002
Volume30
Issue3
Pages379-395
Publication date2002-08-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePolicy Studies Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0190-292X • E-ISSN: 1541-0072
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/j.1541-0072.2002.tb02153.x
OpenAlexW2142536517
LanguageEN
Citations received61
References cited29

Although one of the most durable analytic frameworks in political science, policy typologies suffer from some well‐known flaws. Key among these is the problem of classification: thus far, it has proved impossible to consistently and objectively assign specific policies into conceptually distinct categories. The ambitious original promise of policy typologies, that is, to provide a precursor to a general theory of politics has gone unfulfilled in no small part because of the inability to overcome the classification obstacle. This article reexamines the idea of policy classification by assessing the potential contributions of policy taxonomies. Although a taxonomic approach to policy classification raises problems of its own, it may offer advantages above and beyond traditional typologies

Computer security · Economics · Epistemology · Key (lock · Management science · Obstacle · Political science · Politics · Positive economics · Public economics · Sociology · Typology · Computer Science · Electoral Systems and Political Participation · Law · Policy Transfer and Learning · Political Influence and Corporate Strategies

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Unique citing works61
Citations per year2,9
Citation span2005 - 2026 (22)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 61
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