The Policy Circle: Application of a Framework for Understanding and Analyzing the Components of Family Planning, Reproductive Health, Maternal Health and HIV/AIDS

Karen Hardee, Futures Group International
Imelda Feranil, Centre for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA)
Jill Boezwinkle, Futures Group International
Benjamin Clark, University of Georgia

The role of policy in improving program outcomes in the FP/RH and HIV/AIDS fields is recognized, yet policy is often seen as a black box. This paper provides a practical framework to analyze components of policies. The Policy Circle framework is presented and the six “Ps” of policy are described: Problem, People/Places, Process, Price Tag, Paper, and Programs/Performance. Each component of the Policy Circle can be analyzed using a variety of tools. The Policy Circle places the problem or issue to be solved at the center. The six policy “Ps” of the Policy Circle operate under the broader contextual forces of politics, society, and economics. The Policy Circle can be used to analyze different policy levels, including national and local policies and sectoral and operational policies. The Policy Circle can be viewed through different lenses specific to three overarching concerns: youth, gender, and human rights.