A little less conversation, a little more action : using empirical research to promote social equity
By: PITTS, David W
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Material type: 
ArticlePublisher: Cary : Oxford University Press, jan. 2011Subject(s): Desigualdade Social | Políticas Públicas | Programa SocialJournal of Public Administration Research and Theory 21, 1, p. i77-i82Abstract: This article advocates for a renewed emphasis on the use of empirical research on social equity. It argues that public administration research focuses too much on the differences between empirical and normative research and not nearly enough on how to integrate the two. This has been particularly problematic in research on social equity, where scholars tend to reiterate normative arguments instead of asking empirical questions about how those arguments operate in practice. This essay contends that public administration research can best accomplish normative goals related to social equity by engaging in empirical research about whether policies and programs actually work. If we are serious about improving social equity, we will focus on empirical research that helps policy makers and practitioners assess and improve programs that are unsuccessful
This article advocates for a renewed emphasis on the use of empirical research on social equity. It argues that public administration research focuses too much on the differences between empirical and normative research and not nearly enough on how to integrate the two. This has been particularly problematic in research on social equity, where scholars tend to reiterate normative arguments instead of asking empirical questions about how those arguments operate in practice. This essay contends that public administration research can best accomplish normative goals related to social equity by engaging in empirical research about whether policies and programs actually work. If we are serious about improving social equity, we will focus on empirical research that helps policy makers and practitioners assess and improve programs that are unsuccessful
Minnowbrook III : a special issue
Special issue editors: Beth Gazley and David M. Van Slyke
Volume 21
Supplement 1
January 2011
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