Talking about my generation: exploratory insights from water policy makers in British Columbia

Abstract

The values held by policy makers can influence policy change. But what those values are and their source has received little attention. We argue that one source of these values – and associated differences – is rooted in generational ‘social frames’. We provide evidence from an exploratory survey in British Columbia, Canada, where transformative changes in water policy are being implemented, which include potential changes in water governance to include First Nations (or Indigenous Peoples). Controlling for a range of variables, we found consistent generational differences between personal and organizational values, differences in priorities, and preferences for certain types of economic instruments between Baby Boomers, Generation X and Millennial respondents. We offer our thoughts as to how these differences may influence the policy process. We also call for public water agencies to develop structures that harness this diversity for internal policy learning, adaptation and innovation. HIGHLIGHTS The first study of generational effects in water policy.; Generational cohorts matter in water policy.; Generational differences in culture, mission and policy priorities.; Millennials are most likely to support Indigenous Peoples in water governance.; Harnessing generational differences is key to policy change.;

Keywords

• british columbia
• canada
• generations
• policy learning
• public agencies
• values
• water policy