Policy and Evidence in a Partisan Age: The Great Disconnect - Political Science Book on Modern Governance Challenges | Urban Institute Press | Perfect for Researchers, Students & Policy Makers

Policy and Evidence in a Partisan Age: The Great Divide is an example into what most people forget when they enter the voting booth: pragmatism. Instead of adhering to the idea that the political spectrum is cemented by either liberal thought or conservative thought, Professor Wyckoff takes a step back and sees how mosaic governance truly is. He is able to sew together statistics and case studies to substantiate the claim that government, whether it be a positive or negative influence on society, has much less impact than most politicians claim it does.Not only does this book cover such complex and controversial topics such as Healthcare and Education, it covers them in a way that is easy to understand. By using techniques such as simple metaphor, Wyckoff is able to clearly explain complex ideas as he challenges the preconceptions of the reader. You will find yourself drawn into his arguments, whether you agree or disagree, simply because of how well they are explained and justified.Professor Wyckoff's book also demonstrates a skill anyone contemplating politics should utilize: critical thought. People take for granted the ability of anyone who is able to see the bigger picture, acknowledge their own personal biases, and judge policy with objectivity and true thoughtfulness while backing their claims with evidence and insight. Wyckoff brilliantly demonstrates this skill throughout the book.Keeping in mind that the two highest degrees I have received so far are my High School Diploma and International Baccalaureate Diploma, I would recommend this for anyone who is interested in politics. I feel it is refreshing to think that that there are still unique ideas about politics which consist of both sides of the ideological spectrum. It gives credence to the idea that liberal and conservative thought, while at times conflicting, can together manifest to create ideas that, alone, could not be conceived.Economic abstractionism and practical, real-life application are two different elements of policy- Professor Wyckoff argues that policy makers should focus on the element actually works for everyday Americans.