Saisir le changement institutionnel à la croisée de l’action publique et des mondes sociaux

Abstract

Founded on an “extended” cognitive framework, taking in account the institutionalization of the citizens’ role within policy analysis, this article examines how institutional change can happen regarding controversial issues. It focuses on the kind of knowledge used for the development of a more liberal approach to drug use in France and Canada. Based on expert knowledge, French harm reduction initiatives do not result in major changes. On the other hand, more substantial changes emerge in Canada, based on experiential knowledge. However, in both cases, drug users remain labeled as at-risk populations.

Keywords

• institutional change
• drug control
• expertise
• experiential knowledge
• participation
• France