Revisiting the base in evidence-based policy

Schneider, Mike D, Slanickova, Helena, Rubin, Hannah, Heesen, Remco ORCID: 0000-0003-3823-944X, Schwenkenbecher, Anne, Bortolus, Alejandro, Chukwu, Emelda E, Hewitt, Chad L, Kaufer, Ricardo, Schwindt, Evangelina, Sogbanmu, Temitope O, Woolaston, Katie and Yu, Li-An (2025) Revisiting the base in evidence-based policy. Political Studies. ISSN 0032-3217

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Abstract

Evidence-based policy (EBP) has become widely embraced for its commitment to greater uptake of scientific knowledge in policymaking. But what legitimizes EBP and in what respect are evidence-based policymaking practices better than other policymaking practices? In this article, we distinguish and refine three potential legitimizers of EBP. We suggest that evidence-based policymaking practices are better because they “follow the science,” because they focus on “what works,” or because they “follow the rules.” We discuss some consequences, for advocates of EBP, of consciously adopting one or other of these legitimizers. Finally, we examine whether it is appropriate to switch from advocating for EBP to advocating for evidence-informed policy.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2025 The Author(s)
Divisions:	Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method
Subjects:	J Political Science B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General)
Date Deposited:	12 Mar 2025 15:27
Last Modified:	12 Mar 2025 16:36
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/127549

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