The Myth of Bureaucratic Neutrality: An Examination of Merit and Representation

The Myth of Bureaucratic Neutrality argues that the concept of neutrality in government has been used to oppress marginalized communities and that it is a myth that has been institutionalized into public administration research and practices. It suggests that the only way to move toward equity is to understand how inequity has become institutionalized and to work to improve systems and decision-making.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In a system plagued by political corruption, the concept of 'bureaucratic neutrality' emerged during the Progressive era as a strategy aimed at restoring legitimacy in government. However, this notion also acted as a hindrance to achieving equity in government. This book posits that neutrality is a myth that has been wielded as a tool to oppress marginalized communities, largely disconnected from its origins within the field of public administration. A historical examination of how the field has understood race and gender reveals how it has prioritized whiteness, masculinity, and heteronormativity in research and administrative practices, mistakenly perceiving them as neutrality in public service.

To unravel the myth of bureaucratic neutrality, the authors adopt a historically grounded positionality approach. They trace the origins of this myth back to its roots and emphasize how it has institutionalized inequality, both legally and culturally. Through this lens, the authors demonstrate that the only path toward equity is to comprehend how inequity has become entrenched within our systems and continually strive to improve them.

In the face of constituents worldwide calling for institutional reforms in government to establish new practices and mediate generations of inequality, The Myth of Bureaucratic Neutrality is an essential read for public administration scholars, practitioners, and students. It serves as a timely reminder that neutrality is a false construct and that true progress can only be achieved by dismantling the systems and decision-making processes that perpetuate inequity.

Weight: 166g
Dimension: 137 x 215 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032345598