Into the Field: a Reflexive Narration of Critical Policy Studies

Abstract This article aims at presenting a narrative of Critical Policy Studies as school thought that is built, reflexively, within the field, consolidating and pluralizing it. approach, although little known in Brazil, represents, increasingly, an alternative consistent path studies, distinguishes itself by assuming centrality language unit analysis policy processes; choosing interpretation method; taking arguments main research material post-positivism its purpose. Methodologically, this has been built through review literature it adopted, starting point, discussion forum on “what critical?”, published Review (2016 edition), Handbook (Fischer, Torgerson, Durnová & Orsini, 2016). In five sections, we narrate development School passing, mainly, interpretative argumentative approaches, seeking to establish fertile dialogues with analysts, bureaucrats, managers researchers. As well all those interested facing challenges producing other narratives developing new teaching processes field objective making more diverse Brazilian reality. We conclude that, paradoxically, plurality - disciplinary, epistemological, methodological, theoretical thematic characterizes still falls short meaning participatory, inclusive democratic public policies. sense, believe effort contribute introduction not only presupposes adoption critical-reflexive stance, but also represents first step towards increasingly democratizing practices field.