Wicked Problems and Applied Economics
The term "wicked problems" is found in many disciplines but the term is relatively unknown in applied economics. Applied economics needs to become better acquainted with wicked problems; they are pervasive, and they present challenges if applied economics is to retain its relevance in toda...
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| Published in: | American journal of agricultural economics 2008-12, Vol.90 (5), p.1176-1191 |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | eng |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Get full text |
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| Summary: | The term "wicked problems" is found in many disciplines but the term is relatively unknown in applied economics. Applied economics needs to become better acquainted with wicked problems; they are pervasive, and they present challenges if applied economics is to retain its relevance in today's world. This paper explores these challenges but is necessarily exploratory, as widespread recognition of the complexity of wicked problems is leading to new kinds of research, but these research approaches are still evolving. The author's basic thesis is that normal science assumptions and approaches are inadequate for addressing the complexities of wicked problems in a policy context, but that science, including social science, remains crucial for the development of alternative policies. This exploration, therefore, is about both the characteristics of postnormal science necessary to inform alternative policies designed to address wicked problems as well as their implications for policy contributions from applied economics. Because many wicked problems involve sustainability issues, the author will focus mainly on sustainability problems. |
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| ISSN: | 0002-9092 1467-8276 |