Care Policies as a Wicked Problem

In this contribution I want to explore the state’s approach to policies on care through the lens of the wicked problem approach. This is a perspective that puts the ‘problem’ in inverted commas and with a question mark rather than taking it for granted. As well as matters of definition and comprehension, the wicked problem approach takes a critical lens to both the range of interests involved and the view of any social phenomenon as a rational technical matter. Part of the appeal is its recognition of the importance of how a phenomenon is conceived on the one hand and of diverse stakeholders and divergent political interests on the other. I will develop care as a wicked problem for policy in three respects. The first underlines the complexity of care itself - What does care involve? What is the nexus of relationships and actors? What are the different values involved? - pointing out and examining the inherent complexity and multiple dimensions of care in its own right. The second element focuses on the different political and other interests involved in care. It considers not just the different actors – often with very divergent interests and values - but also the politics and power involved in making provision for care and competing for scarce resources and power in relevant arenas. The third element or reason for why care is a wicked problem is because there is no agreement on how to use public resources to address it, and, even more, there is fundamental disagreement. This builds on the previous two points – inherent complexity and political contestation – to show that the lack of agreement or contested visions is another reason why we either have no policy movement or bad policy. Looking at care policy in the UK and elsewhere, the contribution will identify the different types of complexity involved in care as paradigm, politics and contestation and will use this to explain why policy on care is stalled and inadequate.