Ina Ramasheuskaya

Learning Policy Research and Analysis for Designing an Effective Social Policy

University & Program:
Georgia State University

MPA Program

Class:

First Year

Home Country:
Belarus

In contemporary world, state continues to play more and more important role in provision of social services and distribution of public goods. While such expansion of state role may not be universally welcomed, it reflects an objective complexity of public infrastructure. To maximize social welfare, state must adapt a clear social policy based on balance of interests of different social groups. My strong conviction is that in order to meet these requirements, social policy must be developed, implemented, monitored and evaluated by professionals using a sound scientific approach. Almost none of this is currently being practiced in Belarus. Despite nominal existence of over 20 beautifully designed state programs targeted for different population groups, in fact, they mostly remain on paper. In reality, policymaking takes place exclusively within the bureaucratic structures, without any consultations with local governments, business community or NGOs.

The main reason I want to study public policy in the US is the following: I need an education that would comprise both theoretical and practical approach to research in social policy field. While my experience with non-profit organizations and my research on civil society in Belarus noticeably broadened my understanding of society, social problems, and human behavior, I believe that my study in the US will give me an opportunity to further develop conceptual, analytic and comparative skills under the direction of scholars directly involved in the policy-making process. Another important result of such study will be proficiency in different techniques of policy analysis, as well as familiarity with empirical research methods.