Policy networks in England and France: the case of child care policy 1980-1989

This article examines the evolution of public policy-making in the field of child care in England and France from 1980 to 1989 by using the policy network model. One of the main assumptions of the model is that networks affect policy outcomes. In particular, Marsh and Rhodes (Marsh and Rhodes 1992b, 1995) argue that policy communities foster incremental change. The article aims to challenge these assumptions in light of the results of the comparative case study. First, it describes the main characteristics of English and French child care services. Second, it analyses the main characteristics and hypotheses of the policy network model. Third, it briefly presents the results of the comparative study concerning the pattern and scope of child care reform in England and France. Finally, the article tests the validity of some key hypotheses of the policy community approach.