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Survival of the ideas that fit: An evolutionary analogy for the use of evidence in policy

Stevens, Alex (2007) Survival of the ideas that fit: An evolutionary analogy for the use of evidence in policy. Social Policy and Society, 6 (1). pp. 25-35. ISSN 1474-7464. (doi:10.1017/S1474746406003319) (KAR id:29899)

Abstract

This paper explores bias in the use of evidence in policy. It argues that existing models

of the evidence–policy relationship neglect the tendency for attention to be paid only to

that evidence helpful to the interests of powerful social groups. An evolutionary analogy

is used to explain how this bias arises, without the need for irrationality or conspiracy

on the part of policy makers. Examples are given in the fields of drug, asylum and other

policies, and the possible responses by researchers to the biased use of research evidence

are discussed.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1017/S1474746406003319
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare > HV5800 Drug habits and abuse
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research
Depositing User: Taryn Duhig
Date Deposited: 18 Jul 2012 09:11 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:07 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/29899 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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