What is so wicked about wicked problems? A conceptual analysis and a research program. Issue 3 (3rd July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peters, B. Guy
• Is Part Of: Policy & society. Volume 36:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 385
• Page End: 396
• Publication Date: 2017-07-03
• Subjects: Wicked problems -- conceptualization -- policy analysis; Policy sciences -- Periodicals; Social policy -- Periodicals; Economic policy -- Periodicals; International relations -- Periodicals; Sciences de la politique -- Périodiques; Politique sociale -- Périodiques; Politique économique -- Périodiques; Relations internationales -- Périodiques; Australia -- Politics and government -- 1945- -- Periodicals; Australia -- Economic conditions -- 1945- -- Periodicals; Pacific Area -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; Pacific Area -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Australie -- Politique et gouvernement -- 1945- -- Périodiques; Australie -- Conditions économiques -- 1945- -- Périodiques; Pacifique, Région du -- Politique et gouvernement -- Périodiques; Pacifique, Région du -- Conditions économiques -- Périodiques; 320.605
• DOI: 10.1080/14494035.2017.1361633
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1449-4035

Abstract

Abstract: The concept of wicked problems has become a fad in contemporary policy analysis, with any number of problems being labeled as "wicked". However, if many of these problems are analyzed using a strict definition of the concept they do not meet the criteria. Building on this analysis, I have developed a research program to investigate the extent to which even those problems usually thought to be wicked are actually that difficult.