Problematization in Policy

“Put simply, policies are supposed to ‘fix’ things; hence, by their nature, they presume the existence of a “problem” that needs “fixing” (or “solving”). It follows that the ways in which issues are problematized - how they are produced or constituted as “problems” - are central to governing processes. In effect, we are governed through problematizations, that is, through the ways in which issues are problematized, rather than through policies. Therefore, we need to direct our attention away from assumed “problems” and their “solutions” to the shape and character of problematizations, posing a major challenge to the current, dominant paradigm of evidence-based policy.” (Bacchi, 2015, p132)

Bacchi core question “What’s the Problem Represented to be?” (Bacchi, 2015, p131) and her six interrelated question approach (Bacchi, 2015, p132) to analysing policy articulates some of my concerns/questions about policy on Larrakia Country and more broadly across the NT. I am going to use her approach to analyse the Palmerston and Darwin Youth Action Plans. These documents are not meant to be “policy” rather action plans created in partnership with the community and sector but I believe the Bacchi’s approach is still valid in this context.

Bacchi, C., 2015. Problematizations in Alcohol Policy: WHO’s “Alcohol Problems.” Contemporary Drug Problems 42, 130–147. https://doi.org/10.1177/0091450915576116