Technocracy within Representative Democracy. Technocratic Reasoning and Justification among Bureaucrats and Politicians

摘要: Abstract Essay 1: Abstract This article challenges the assertion that civil servants with technical training can be assumed to technocrats. Contrary previous findings, argues type of higher education is not a key determinant variations in technocratic mentality among elite bureaucrats; instead, post-socialization provides better explanation. One suggested mechanism politicisation, so more politicized ministry is, less bureaucrats working it. These suggestions are tested empirically by both re-analysing Putnam’s data from late 1970s and analysing total survey Government Offices Sweden. As well as demonstrating ‘type hypothesis’ poorly supported, empirical analysis demonstrates varies depending on ministerial affiliation. Furthermore, level politicisation connected degree bureaucrats, though exactly hypothesized: indeed leads ‘tolerance for politics’ but, counter intuitively, also makes likely advocate neutrality rather than political advocacy servants. 2: Departing claim beliefs values powerful extent which bureaucracy compatible democracy, this study sets out increase our knowledge public policy-making minds arguing these pose largest threat towards compatibility democracy. Drawing theoretical framework (Putnam, 1977), studies (Aberbach et al., 1990; Gregory, 1991; Putnam, seeks explore importance different decision criteria bureau- crats. Despite research, we still know little about consider important when making decisions policy. By means using hypothetical scenarios, evidence provided ‘technocratic bureaucrats’ overall prefer ‘technocratic’ ‘democratic’ criteria. At same time they assess will important. However, presents unexpected nuances, equally hostile all democratic criteria; especially true considering ‘ideology’. Finally, there no strong rated systematically policy mode. 3: While have examined use expert shaping, symbolic role such lending legitimacy positions. This context party politics mobilization. Recent research offers several politicians debate. provide insights rich examples, further obviously needed. Based studies, paper potential explanations expect legitimize their Empirically testing hypotheses content 142 legislative debates (a 1,183,729 words) held Swedish parliament suggests many supported. Perhaps most interesting finding incumbents inclined invoke claims debate opposition members. supports Bos- well’s (2009b) argument incumbents, knowing ac- countable made, aware shortcomings scientific avoid excessive reliance knowledge. The reveals large differences between parties, apart parliamentary roles, suggesting culture ought considered an factor explaining