Policy Paper Focus

Remember the value of a policy paper lies in its usefulness to relevant audiences or “stakeholders.” The emphasis for your work should be to submit the best analysis possible, and to provide the best sources of material that you can find, in a way that is both logically and practically compelling.

What problems were seen in the discussion papers?

{The most common and grievous errors are:}

· The papers should {but were not} always targeted at and framed by a sociological understanding of the “Analytic Context” of and for a topic. This means at the social structural level, your topic {e.g., whatever it is – immigration point system, racial profiling, etc.,} is invariable contained by one or all of the following:

1) Capitalism

2) Patriarchy

3) White Supremacy (Aside: in our class we have preferred the term “Cultural Hegemony”)

{Remember what we have learned this year =====> social problems come from social inequality, social inequality comes from social stratification systems, and social stratification systems come from the intersection of Capitalism-Patriarchy-White Cultural Hegemony}.

· “Introductions” of many papers did not have a thesis, or had a thesis that was vague or too broad to be manageable.

{Remember that a discussion papers and policy papers are academic works, and are subject to academic standards of accomplishment. This means that discussion/policy papers have to be introduced to the reader. The “Introduction” has to explain your topic and present your thesis, and the thesis has to be related/connected to a body of research/literature. The “Introduction” of discussion/policy papers has the added feature of concluding with an explicit statement of what the reader will learn and engage about the subject.}

The five components of policy paper “Introductions/Executive Summaries” are: a concise and contestable thesis that is explored and illuminated through central themes and research issues, leading to the articulation of detailed conclusions and recommendations.

· “Data” {real life events} is “the support girder” for your analysis and critical argument [See file – Academic Literature Components].

{Remember, for sociology, “abstraction” is the enemy. You have to begin with “real life data” – down at the ground level of your topic as it impacts real peoples lives – in order to find and unpack the proper “analytic context” of the topic. This is the only method of preserving the sociological connection between the individual and the social – or the text and the subtext; or the superstratum and the substratum of human existence}.

· “Examples” {from real life} are prior to conceptualization and social theory, and dictate the direction of sociological analysis.

{Remember examples {data} are not merely “add-ons” to highlight ideas and arguments. The best sociology begins with examples and uses examples “up front” before argumentation in order to illuminate and drive the analysis.}

· Many people have not yet thoroughly investigated “organizational response” to the social problem/topic they are examining; and their “research authority” (ex: academic literature) is unduly limited.

· Many papers had a weak analysis. Some presented facts for and against a position, then skipped ahead to their conclusion, which was left unexplained. Remember your math classes when you were told to show your work? The same rule applies here, so explain your analysis completely and clearly.

· Many quotes or sources of material came from the opinions of purported experts, and were presented as facts. Facts and expert assessments are preferred over opinions, though there are times when an opinion from a quality source can be useful.

· Discussion paper structure can be improved. Take all of your best fragments of work, and carefully assembly them into a coherent discussion, as you begin work on your policy paper.

· Some people evidently mistook discussion paper to mean a short or trivial paper. Think instead of discussion paper/brief as meaning “a condensation or abstract of a large document” which is your goal when writing a policy paper. Consider your five or ten page paper as being a condensed version of a much longer report. Your job is to concentrate the information.

· Many papers are still inclined toward “pie in the sky” recommendations (eg., Let’s abolish “the bad stuff”!!!”). In policy analysis, “pie in the sky” blows!!! If a recommendation is impractical then you are wasting your time and ink/breath, because everybody just stopped reading/listening. Your thought process should be oriented toward “the possible” – progressive, incremental, and practical initiatives that put society/social life on the road to making “the bad stuff” better.

What should I focus on when writing my policy paper?

· Begin by thinking sociologically – meaning, think “contextually” about your topic. What is the analytic context that animates and informs all the events and phenomenon [“content”] surrounding the subject? Is it Capitalism and/or Patriarchy and/or White Cultural Hegemony?

· The “Introduction” of your paper has to explain your topic and present your thesis, and conclude with a statement of what the reader will learn and engage about the subject. {Note: for those who will be attempting/writing a full “Executive Summary,” review the web file thoroughly}.

· Investigating community organizations in terms of their approach/issues related to your topic.

· The focus should be “tight and narrow.” This is usually accomplished by beginning with real-life examples not generalizations.

· Find quality reference/source material.

· Formulate and answer the question(s) that is central to your topic/issue, and do not digress.

· Be original and insightful.

What qualities does an excellent policy paper have?

· The policy paper precisely addresses the scenario or problem under discussion ====> through a concise and contestable thesis developed using vivid themes and illuminating issues to drive the analysis.

· It is tailored for the client/stakeholders.

· The paper is compatible with published or inferred policy goals, and cites them.

· It uses a powerful variety & quantity of source material presented tidily in endnotes.

· The analysis is rigorous quantitatively and/or qualitatively.

· When the writer/analyst cannot provide exact numbers to support a statement, define a range to lessen the uncertainties. Reduce the “fog”, and help provide clarity.

· Uncertainties, whenever present, are stated explicitly.

· Statements are explicit rather than implicit.

· There is no ambiguity present.

· The writer does not include his/her opinion in the paper.

· The writing style is smooth and reads well.

· Format, grammar, spelling are all superior.

· Keep in mind the goals of brevity (crispness and conciseness), clarity and flow.

An excellent policy paper is both a joy to read and a big help to the decision maker. The reader is assured of the writer’s competence when demonstrated by a superb writing style, incredible content and a brilliant analysis. An optimal policy paper effectively communicates the essence of the problem, analysis, solutions and results to the client.

Be thorough and professional as you start your research, prepare your analyses and write your papers. I predict that you will read articles more critically after this assignment, and appreciate even more the work that goes into writing a quality policy paper. Start now ! Good luck!