Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Theory (2010) focuses on explaining how policy change occurs. This is due to the study of three different streams: the problem stream, the policy stream, and the politics stream. According to Meacham (2020), “Kingdon (2010) describes the point at which problems, potential solutions to them, and political circumstances converge to stimulate legislation development as a window of opportunity” (p. 212).
A problem stream represents an issue that attracts attention and concern among politicians, the media, or the public. The policy stream is grounded in the development of potential political solutions to address specific problems. In contrast, the basis of the politics stream is the interests of politics and other external circumstances.
The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has created a significant public health challenge. This is a contemporary issue in healthcare policy, which remains of interest to many researchers and scientists. The problem stream is the rapid spread and severity of the virus, which has caused concern around the world. Additionally, the need for a vaccine exacerbated the severity of this case.
In response to the problem stream, policymakers and experts began developing potential policy solutions. According to Weible et al. (2020), the challenge required the engagement of citizens and governments at all levels, involving the implementation of policy. The political stream surrounding vaccination mandates in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic was highly charged. It was based on public safety and political polarization; people’s opinions were widely divided, resulting in considerable debate.
During the interaction of the two streams, specific political solutions to issues appeared. For example, some governments have introduced vaccination mandates for specific groups. Vaccine passports were introduced, and educational companies were created to encourage the public and increase their safety. The framework of Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Theory helps to understand how the problem, policy, and politics streams intersect to shape policies and strategies for solving the problem.
References
Meacham, M. R. (2020). Longest’s health policymaking in the United States. (7th ed.). Health Administration Press.
Weible, C. M., Nohrstedt, D., Cairney, P., Carter, D. P., Crow, D. A., Durnová, A. P., Heikkila, T., Ingold, K., McConnell, A., & Stone, D. (2020). COVID-19 and the policy sciences: initial reactions and perspectives. Policy Sciences, 53, 225-241.