The Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF)

The Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) is a theory that explains how policy changes happen over time through the interactions of groups sharing similar beliefs, called advocacy coalitions. These coalitions work within a policy subsystem, like education or healthcare, and influence decisions by shaping opinions, gathering information, and lobbying policymakers. They often compete or collaborate, and their success depends on factors like political events, evidence, and resources. ACF helps us understand the complex, long-term processes behind policy development and change driven by these groups’ sustained efforts and beliefs.