Brain politics: Aspects of administration in the comparative issue definition of autism-related policy

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Baker, Dana Lee; Stokes, Shannon
• 署名单位: Wayne State University; University of Missouri System; University of Missouri Columbia
• 刊物名称: PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REVIEW
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0033-3352
• 发表日期: 2007
• 页码: 757-767
• 关键词: cultural imperialism; PREVALENCE; disorders

摘要

The construction of public problems has a lasting influence on implementation in a given policy subsystem. National and sociopolitical contexts influence issue definition differently across nations. However, the degree to which nation-specific issue definition takes place has been insufficiently explored. In recent years, the growing incidence of autism has led to a quest for causal factors. One hypothesis posits that the use of mercury in vaccines may be a culprit. This paper examines the definition of the mercury and autism issue in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Insights into the comparative elements of issue definition are suggested by the case. These insights are of particular importance to administrators, as agencies are deeply involved as objects and actors in the process of issue definition and are often responsible for implementing new and redefined policies.