Date of Award
5-2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Policy Studies
Committee Chair/Advisor
Lori Dickes, Ph.D.
Committee Member
William Bridges, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Natalia Sianko, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Natan Teklemariam, Ph.D.
Abstract
This dissertation explores the nuanced relationship between political polarization and policy diffusion within local governments in the United States, a topic of considerable relevance given the country’s increasing political divide. By examining the diffusion of COVID-19 policies, historical marker modifications, and the implementation of eGovernment services, this research identifies a novel mechanism of policy diffusion that is significantly influenced by political party lines. The study employs a comprehensive methodological approach, incorporating case studies and quantitative analysis to examine policy implementation across politically diverse local governments. The findings reveal that political affiliation profoundly impacts policy choices, with distinct patterns of policy diffusion observed among local governments led by officials from different political parties. In particular, the research highlights how Democratic and Republican local governments have diverged in their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, approaches to historical marker changes, and adoption of eGovernment services. This divergence underscores the need for a new understanding of policy diffusion mechanisms beyond traditional models to account for the influence of political polarization. This dissertation contributes to the policy studies field by providing empirical evidence of a fifth mechanism of policy diffusion that captures the complexities of governing in a politically polarized environment. It offers valuable insights for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners interested in the dynamics of local governance and the interplay between politics and policy diffusion in the contemporary United States.
Recommended Citation
McCauley, Jacob, "Examining Policy Diffusion Mechanisms in the Contemporary Local Government Landscape of a Politically Polarized United States" (2024). All Dissertations. 3600.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_dissertations/3600