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The rediscovery of convergence theory: The case of health policy
Abstract
Integral to the development of theory in political science is the re-evaluation of theories over time and changing conditions. This dissertation critiques the rediscovery of convergence theory. It traces the evolution of convergence theory, develops a new model based on recent developments in convergence theory and tests this model in the area of health policy using case-study analysis. In its infancy, convergence theory posited that macro-level forces, such as economic and technological development, leveled differences among diverse cultures. Consequently, politics and ideology were no longer seen as crucial variables in understanding the development of policy. Convergence theory was heavily criticized for its exclusion of political variables, over-reliance on aggregate variables and cross-sectional designs and imprecise definition of convergence. In the 1980s convergence theory was rediscovered; however important changes were made. For instance, politics was considered important in understanding policy development from a cross-national perspective. Scholars placed more emphasis on how convergence occurs and how convergence is defined. The model proposed here takes into consideration recent developments in convergence and then provides a test in the area of health policy. The health systems of four countries are examined: the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany. The analysis includes examining aggregate variables and health policy reforms. Employing a more precise definition of convergence, it was found that some convergence has occurred among the countries studied, but this convergence is only with respect to specific policies, not with overall health systems. It was also determined that political variables (institutions and culture) play a deciding role in determining whether convergence occurs. Finally, it was suggested that convergence theory still has many limitations which mitigates its role in comparative policy analysis.
Subject Area
Political science
Recommended Citation
Blankenau, Martin Joseph, "The rediscovery of convergence theory: The case of health policy" (1995). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI9609429.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI9609429