Programmatic Action in German Health Policy

Abstract

Taking a look at the history of health policy in Germany from 1990 to 2020, this chapter outlines the existence of programmatic action and identifies the programmatic actors relevant to the changes in health policy. The empirical study is based on a discourse network analysis, an in-depth analysis of the biographical trajectories of individuals, as well as a systematic connection of the programmatic content to the individual programmatic actors. Thereby, this chapter provides an explanation for 20 years of health policy developments in Germany. However, it also notes that programmatic action in German health policy has ended in the 2010s, and it provides explanations for why this is the case.

Political institutions in health and social policy of the state

“…Factors that are situational or dependent on external circumstances may have a direct impact on making adjustments or significant changes in policy [10]. Various external impulses, such as events occurring at the international level, including social crises or socio-economic changes, are reflected in the policy being formed, influencing its success in its implementation.…”