Which policy-making approach does the change in the Violence Against Women Act appear to follow?

The change in the Violence Against Women Act aligns with the incrementalism approach to policy-making. Incrementalism is characterized by small, gradual adjustments to existing policies rather than sweeping or radical changes. This approach suggests that policies evolve through minor modifications rather than complete overhauls, which allows for adjustments based on feedback and the practical experience of implementing new elements.

In the context of the Violence Against Women Act, changes often build upon existing legislative frameworks, responding to emerging issues or gaps in the earlier versions of the law rather than redesigning the entire structure from scratch. This process reflects an understanding that policies must be adaptable, acknowledging the complexities and realities of addressing issues related to violence against women over time.

Incrementalism also allows for the incorporation of new research, social movements, and public opinion in a measured way, leading to more effective and sustainable policy outcomes. Thus, this approach is suitable for understanding how revisions to significant legislation, like the Violence Against Women Act, have typically unfolded.