Conclusion and Outlook: Towards a Systematisation of the Mechanism-Based Approach in Social Policy Research

Abstract

AbstractThe concluding chapter takes stock of the complex causal mechanisms that were identified in the chapters of the edited volume and presents a structured compilation of complex causal mechanisms that might be a first step of a more encompassing research agenda on mechanism-based analysis in social policy. The compilation is based on a combination of actor-centred and theory-based clustering. It distinguishes general mechanisms, which can occur in all fields of social policy (or even beyond), and policy-specific mechanisms, which are linked to specific social policies. Finally, the chapter summarises key strengths of the mechanism-based approach in social policy research and outlines potential future research avenues.