Harris' Mirage: The Positive Service State
Public Administration Review, Forthcoming
15 Pages Posted: 2 Aug 2009 Last revised: 12 Feb 2010
Date Written: February 9, 2010
Abstract
In 1942, Joseph Harris anticipated that the United States would develop a highly centralized and rationalized welfare state. The forecast was largely mistaken. The U.S. did develop a expansive national security apparatus that was relatively centralized and rationalized. By contrast, domestic policies were unevenly developed, and often highly decentralized in design. Harris' forecast was unduly influenced by his own observations of trends immediately before the war. He underestimated the powerful underlying forces that have historically checked centralization in the US, and regained strength in the post-war period.
Keywords: Public Administration, United States, administrative development
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