Some reflections on policy theory: a brief response to Hatcher and Troyna

Abstract

This paper takes up some theoretical issues raised in Hatcher and Troyna's critical discussion (in this issue) of my work on education policy. I argue that many of their criticisms are misplaced and rest upon flaws and limitations in their own theoretical work. I suggest that they employ a set of unhelpful conceptual binaries in their discussion which, if they are allowed to stand, can serve only to stultify the further development of policy sociology. In particular, I take issue with Hatcher and Troyna's presentation of the theoretical stances of Althusser and Foucauk.