Equity in policy implementation: An implicit and undertheorized topic

ABSTRACT

Equity is a principle that aims to repair and deliver justice to historically disadvantaged groups regarding access to their rights. It has become a focal point in public policy discussions. This article examines how equity is treated in studies of policy implementation in Brazil-a critical phase where policy outcomes are determined and where the performance of such policies impacts public perception of the state. We performed a systematic literature review on implementation using the CAPES and SciELO Brazil databases and identified 94 relevant articles, of which 41 addressed equity. Our review found that equity was often mentioned implicitly, with only four articles providing a clear definition. The prevailing approach to policy design is uncritical, failing to question underlying assumptions. This limitation impedes a thorough understanding of the phenomenon and results in evidence disconnected from social realities, reinforcing skepticism about power dynamics shifts. The study underscores the need for a more robust theorization of equity to enhance analytical frameworks and management tools essential for developing more effective public policies.

Keywords
social equity; public policy; implementation; systematic review; Brazil