SWRK 203Dr. Hardina

Spring, 2008

Assignment #3

Content Analysis of a Policy*

Analyze the content of a piece of pending or recently passed legislation or a public policy of your choice.

Describe the policyAssignment #3

Content Analysis of a Policy

Analyze the content of a piece of pending or recently passed legislation or a public policy of your choice. Your paper should include the following components:

Part 1- Description of the Problem

A. Description of the problem

B. Historical, economic, and political context including any prior legislation or judicial decisions.

C. Causes and consequences of the social problem

D. The underlying ideology or values related to the social problem.

E The people or groups who gain or lose in relation to the problem

Part 2 – Description of the Policy

A. Introduction

B. General description of the social welfare policy

C.Values and Ideology associated with the policy

C. Recipients (Bases of Social Allocations)

D. Benefits (Social Provisions Allocated)

E. Delivery of Benefits (Strategies for the Delivery of Benefits)

F. Financing of the Benefits (Financing of Provisions)

G. The people or groups who will gain or lose if the policy is implemented.

Part 3 - Policy Framework

Use the values-critical policy framework presented in Chambers & Wedel for analyzing the policy. Use the three criteria listed in their model (adequacy, equity, and efficiency) or add additional criteria (for example, access, equality, distributive justice) that can be used to evaluate the overall policy or specific components of that policy. You may also use a content analysis model discussed in class or one that you have identified through library research This section should contain the following elements:

Part 4 – Application of the Policy Framework/Model

Apply your model to the list of policy elements identified by Chambers and Wedel (2005) on pp. 56-57 of your textbook.

This section should contain the following elements:

  1. Introduction
  2. Application of the policy model to policy mission, goals, and objectives.
  3. Application of the policy model to the forms of benefits and services provided by the policy or program.
  4. Application of the model to the program or policy’s eligibility rules.
  5. Application of the model to the program or policy’s intended procedures for administration and service delivery
  6. Application of the model to the program or policy’s method of financing
  7. Identification of any policy elements that might produce interaction effects.
  8. Conclusion/Transition paragraph

Part 5 – Policy Alternatives

  1. Introduction
  2. Identify alternatives for addressing the problem; use your evaluative criteria to choose among these alternatives.
  3. Describe the goals and objectives associated with your policy recommendation.
  4. Assess the feasibility of achieving these goals in terms of funding availability, political support, and barriers to implementation.

Your paper should be approximately 10-15 pages.

DUEApril 15150 points

*Adapted from Chambers & Wedel (2005).