The Kingdon model of policy streams is a framework for understanding the process by which public policy is made. It was developed by political scientist John Kingdon in the 1980s and has since become a widely used tool in the study of policy-making.
According to the model, policy-making is driven by three streams: the problem stream, the policy stream, and the politics stream. These streams operate concurrently and influence one another, but they do not always intersect at the same time.
The problem stream refers to the social, economic, or environmental issues that arise and need to be addressed by policy. This stream is driven by the public's awareness and concern about these issues, as well as by the expertise and research of policy analysts and other experts.
The policy stream refers to the various proposals and alternatives that are developed to address the issues in the problem stream. These proposals may come from a variety of sources, including policy analysts, interest groups, and government agencies.
The politics stream refers to the political context in which policy-making takes place. This includes the preferences and priorities of elected officials, the influence of interest groups and special interests, and the distribution of power among different branches and levels of government.
According to the Kingdon model, policy-making occurs when these streams intersect at a "policy window," a brief period of time when the problem is perceived as pressing, a viable policy solution is available, and the political context is favorable for action. At this point, policy-makers may choose to act on the issue and implement a policy.
One of the key insights of the Kingdon model is that policy-making is a complex and unpredictable process, influenced by a wide range of factors and actors. It highlights the importance of considering not just the substance of a policy, but also the political and institutional context in which it is being considered.
Overall, the Kingdon model of policy streams provides a useful framework for understanding the policy-making process and can help policy-makers and analysts anticipate and navigate the challenges and opportunities of policy-making.