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Deviation in gender equality policy : A German municipal case

Klann, F. (2020) Deviation in gender equality policy : A German municipal case.

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Abstract:This thesis investigates the policy deviation of a municipal gender equality office in Germany, North Rhine-Westphalia, currently undergoing reform to expand their areas of activity. Relying on qualitative document analysis of municipal policy papers, legal code on the national, state, and municipal level, the office’s website, and interviews with the previous and acting head of the agency, it asks which institutional characteristics enable or constrain the implementation of gender equality. A principal-agent model of implementation is combined with general literature on policy implementation and existing studies on gender equality policies to inform an approach without preference for individual approaches. Both goal conflict and belief system misfit between the agency as well as existing policies have no significant impact on deviation, while resource scarcity is perceived as the key constraint. This result is surprising, as conflicting goals, diverging perceptions of gender, and diverging problem perceptions were identified. In expectations of low policy deviation under given conditions, the thesis proposes an explanation, as the original model is applicable, but policy deviation could be avoided by two institutions of state law: “Weisungsfreiheit” grants significant discretion to the municipal offices, and the mandatory multilevel involvement of such offices in legislative and planning processes.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:88 social and public administration, 89 political science
Programme:Management Society and Technology BSc (56654)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/82273
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