Stone takes a stance to define the inner workings of relationships within communities and the political environment with a different view, unlike others in the policy field. These relationships historically have been identified by some as being rational or a market model, which Stone’s view is in contrast with. In the market model, individuals, groups, and corporations make decisions or take approaches to maximize individual self-interest or benefit. In other words, if I can get ahead or if it is a benefit to me then I will do it. The behavior of individuals is rational, thought out, and deliberate. This methodology of self-interest drives the market and creates economic demand, competition, and creates growth in society (Stone, 2012).…show more content… The goals can have various points of views and truths within them and are not observed in the same light by all in the community. There is a continuing struggle within the political community to decide who gets what, when, and how. There are several paradoxical relationships or ideologies involved. Such as in equity, deciding on equal treatment or equal opportunity or a fair process where everyone has an equal chance. In efficiency getting the most out of something for the least amount of cost, but there is unequal distributions such as income, wealth, and benefits. Welfare, liberty, and security can be hard to define in the Polis. There is inherent conflict in balancing these needs. Individual survival needs such as food and shelter, as compared to societal or community needs such as security from harm. The freedom of individual choice or liberty versus societal security. One may have to compromise or reduce individual freedoms, such as to not pay taxes in exchange for more security, such as paying taxes to the government for civil defense.
Stone discusses the use of symbols, stories, and numbers are used in the Polis. Symbols are any object that can be used to represent something else. A tree can represent life, as it grows or matures over time. Stories, symbols, and numbers are all used to convey meaning, shape perceptions, relate ideas, and influence others. These are effective ways used to define policy problems and issues and are politically useful for that
