Advocacy Coalition Representation

Bibliographic Data

ID6445409
AuthorsAnne M Crawford (0009-0008-1320-333X, University of Colorado Denver, corresponding author), Christopher M Weible (0000-0003-2241-5891, University of Colorado Denver)
Year2025
Volume53
Issue6
Publication date2025-11-17
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePolitics & Policy (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1555-5623 • E-ISSN: 1747-1346
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/polp.70103
OpenAlexW7105827225
LanguageEN
References cited45

One of the most significant innovations within policy process theories is the concept of advocacy coalitions, namely how policy actors self‐organize to collectively pursue shared goals. Despite the centrality of advocacy coalitions and extensive research spanning decades on this concept, questions remain about their functional purpose in a democracy. For this paper, we introduce the novel concept of “advocacy coalition representation” to describe how advocacy coalition members act as representatives of their constituencies. Taking an Advocacy Coalition Framework perspective, this paper begins with an argument incorporating democratic representation into the theoretical infrastructure of the Framework. It illustrates this argument by examining advocacy coalition representation in Colorado's abortion policy subsystem through interviews with pro‐ and anti‐abortion‐access actors. Ultimately, we find that the two coalitions offer patterns of advocacy coalition representation distinct from one another along two key variables: constituencies ( who advocates represent) and engagement ( how advocates represent). This paper ends with theoretical and empirical implications before returning to the theme of democracy and policy process research. Related Articles Myers, N., A. T. Ann Pendergast, H. A. Gage Atwood, W. Brian and H. Danielle. 2025. “Roles in Resilience: The Intersection of Genetic Counseling, Policy Advocacy, and Community Resilience.” Politics and Policy 53, no. 2: e70023. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.70023 . Silagadze, N. 2021. “Abortion Referendums: Is There a Recipe for Success?” Politics and Policy 49, no. 2: 352–389. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12398 . Swigger, A. and B. T. Heinmiller. 2014. “Advocacy Coalitions and Mental Health Policy: The Adoption of Community Treatment Orders in Ontario.” Politics and Policy 42, no. 2: 246–270. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12066

Argument (complex analysis · Centrality · Democracy · Intersection (aeronautics · Policy advocacy · Process (computing · Representation (politics · Policy Transfer and Learning · Political Influence and Corporate Strategies · Public Policy and Administration Research

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