62 5.9 – INCREMENTALISM

INCREMENTALISM

Incrementalism occurs when policies are formulated to continue previous policies or make gradual changes to existing policies over time rather than developing new policies from scratch (Lindblom, 1959). With incrementalism, existing policies or programs are the basis for new policies. The pro-life movement provides a relevant example of incremental policy making. After Roe v. Wade (1973) made abortion legal in the U.S., the pro-life movement began to pass laws at both the state and federal level that “chipped away” at abortion law. While pro-life advocates realized they might not be able to overturn Roe v. Wade (1973), they recognized that incremental changes were a viable strategy. When the Supreme Court ruled on Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), the ruling opened the door for state and federal laws that would outlaw partial-birth abortions or require minors to get parental approval, enforce a 24-hour waiting period, or require a woman to view ultrasound pictures. This ruling resulted in a slow, but effective, plan to place greater restrictions on abortions.

Why might decision makers choose incremental policy instead of sweeping change? They might be unable to predict the consequences of each policy option. If a significant number of “un- knowns” come to light during policy development, decision makers may opt for a more conservative approach. Previous policies may prove to be effective or popular, so very few to no changes are necessary. In a pluralist political system, the government finds it easier to continue existing programs to satisfy a need or a demand than to engage in the complicated process of developing policies “from scratch.” Gradual change gives the target au- dience more time to change their behavior. Decision makers therefore will engage in incremental policy making because it “reduces conflict and is politically expedi- ent” (Stewart, Hedge, Lester, 2008).

The drawbacks to incremental decision making are that it does not account for dramatic shifts in policy. While an argument can be made that most policy change occurs incrementally, focusing events and other incidents often lead to policy change. Additionally, incrementalism does not explain such government efforts at long-range planning as the Iran Nuclear Deal or the Paris Climate Agreement, which were both meant to satisfy long term security and environmental goals.