The Ever-Growing Child of Governance: Public Policy
Public policy, is a bit like a growing child. It has come a long way over the last few centuries. It has been and will be shaped by the social, economic, and cultural contexts of its time. Wheater we realise it or not, it has its foundation in irrefutable aspects of human nature.
Since the beginning of our collective selves, there has been an impulse to make things better. The solidification of the written language allowed us to truly shape how laws and policies define this domain of our humanity.
So, what is public policy? It is the decisions and actions taken by government institutions to address issues and achieve outcomes. Holistically, it is the laws, regulations, and courses of action concerning a particular topic.
Rulers in ancient civilizations implemented laws to maintain order and protect their domains. Thus, this intent became the origins of public policy as we know it. Keep in mind those two words, order and protect. As societies became more complex, the role of public policy expanded to cover much more.
Simply put, it grew up with us.
However, the nature of public policy remained, to maintain order and protect their domains.
Why is the discourse around public policy so tumultuous? The discourse around public policy is emotive because it fundamentally involves human survival and longevity. After all, public policy aims to stabilize society and thus, our lives. It aims to provide clarity and predictability, which in turn ensure human survivability. It addresses critical to maintain order and protection.
Public Policy has grown up extensively over the last few thousand years. How much it has grown up is a scale that has never been defined. But, it is important to note that while its reach and character have changed, its nature remains the same.
Ancient Civilisation
Where did it all begin?
Public policy in ancient civilizations was primarily concerned with maintaining order and addressing immediate societal needs. While the language of policy did not exist then, this is the genesis. The Code of Hammurabi (1754 BCE) in Mesopotamia is one of the earliest examples of written law, focusing on justice and societal order. Similarly, ancient Greece introduced democratic processes in Athens, where public policies were formulated through citizen participation.
These early examples laid the groundwork for modern legal systems. In fact, it worked so well that we still use it. The principles established then continue to influence contemporary legal and administrative frameworks. These foundational approaches to governance and policymaking continue to influence us today. And they probably will outlive us. The timeless focus on stability and order reflects humanity’s enduring need for security and predictability.
Or, you know, protecting and maintaining order.
Ancient civilizations were primarily concerned with maintaining order and addressing immediate societal needs, akin to a child’s need for stability and basic care.
Medieval Period
The signing of the Magna Carta in 1215 is a key point in the genesis of public policy and common law. This seminal document represented a significant step towards limiting the absolute power of the monarchy. Sure, at first, it was mostly about protecting the interests of the nobility. But the broader implications for the rule of law and individual rights is something that has had a phenomenal impact. Even centuries later, it still shapes governments and the courts.
The Islamic Golden Age (8th — 13th Century) saw the development of advanced administrative policies within the caliphates. It pretty much influenced everything. This period shows the importance of effective administrative policies in order to allow it to flourish. These were done in an effort to protect and maintain order. The policies implemented during this time reflect a sophisticated understanding of governance that prioritized knowledge and trade.
This is when public policy sort of learnt to stand up on its own two feet. Yes, it stumbled and suffered a few knocks, but before long, it was walking.
Renaissance and Enlightenment period
The Renaissance and Enlightenment periods later brought about significant advancements that still influence public policy today. These times shone a light on the importance of safeguarding individual freedoms and encouraging participatory governance. As governments centralized and nation-states formed, governance structures became more efficient and cohesive.
So the kid (public policy) is now walking and talking. It also kind of knows where the cookie jar is, but has not figured out how to get to it.
The Enlightenment period saw the development of more structured governmental bodies. For instance, in France, Colbert’s administration under Louis XIV organized the French state into various ministries. This set a precedent for future departmental structures.
As public policy entered its adolescence during this period, it experienced a period of rapid intellectual growth and exploration. The formation of nation-states and the centralization of governance during this time can be compared to an adolescent’s growing need for structure and independence.
Industrial Revolution
Laws and policies introduced during this time were essential in addressing the rapid growth and social changes of industrializing societies. However, this era also shows the ongoing struggle to balance economic growth with fair working conditions. History has shown us that many workers faced exploitation. The colonial policies of European powers reshaped global trade and international relations, leading to troubling inequalities.
I would say that this age is where the toddler starts running around the house. Public policy starts to do quite a bit. The thing is, it amazes us, and it also concerns us. We also start to really get an insight into the personality.
However, policies during this time were reactionary. They mainly addressed immediate societal needs, much like an adolescent responding to rapid changes and growth spurts. The era’s labor and social policies reflect the burgeoning need for order and the protection of welfare. Hmm, there are those two words again. While this period has created long lasting problems, it teaches us how significant public policy is. Anger from ill-written policies will transcend decades, haunting the children of those who wrote them.
It is also here that economic growth became essential to the concept of order and protection. It became so heavily implied into the nature of public policy.
The policies set during this era were foundational, laying the groundwork for more advanced public policy frameworks in the future. And every now and then, we need to acknowledge the mistakes from this period, understanding that public policy was still growing up. After all, it's only just figuring itself out here.
Modern Era
Modern public policy mirrors the intricate nature of today’s societies. It strives to balance economic growth with social equity and environmental sustainability. The neoliberal policies of the late 20th century, though aimed at economic efficiency, frequently widened social inequalities. Now, the emphasis on sustainability though order and protection highlights our growing awareness of global interdependence and the necessity for holistic policy approaches.
The establishment of diverse government departments to manage specific portfolios, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, marks significant developmental milestones. This can be compared to the structured learning and specialization that occur during adolescence and young adulthood, where foundational skills and knowledge are acquired and refined. The creation of institutions like the NHS in the UK and various governmental departments in the US highlights the growing complexity and specialization in public policy, akin to an adolescent developing expertise in specific areas.
This reflects a fundamental aspect of public policy: creating stable, predictable environments where citizens’ basic needs are met. This fosters order and protection.
It is also that, during this time, academic institutions began creating programs focused on public policy education.
Public policy today embodies a mature stage of development, mirroring a deep understanding of the complexities inherent in modern societies. It’s similar to an adult balancing career, family, health, and personal aspirations. And taxes. But it is also ridden with a deep sense of anxiety and people pleasing. Its also trying to balance its own reputuation.
Hmm. Feels like I’m writing a memoir.
This recognition of multifaceted needs and priorities shapes the sheer sophistication in contemporary public policy. However, this stage is also marked by the challenges of addressing past inequalities and managing the trade-offs between different policy goals, much like an adult managing the stresses and competing demands of modern life.
Where to from adulthood?
Well, one can make the argument that it becomes business as usual, but I would say that prevents personal growth for public policy. Just as we as a society are maturing, so too should the approach to public policy.
Public policy, much like an individual in adulthood, will aim for a deeper understanding of its impact and strive for continuous refinement. We depend on it. Instead of settling into complacency, it must question its foundational assumptions and be willing to adapt.
Now, this will cause issues, and so it should. How we deal with the discourse is a topic for another day.
It’s the language we have adopted for order and protection. We just call it public policy.
