​The service characteristics approach, described in this paper, was developed as a tool to explain the political dynamics of particular services. It has been tested and elaborated in discussion with specialists in health, education, water and sanitation, focusing on current debates in each sector.

While always recognising the importance of context, this synthesis paper focuses on the contribution that can be made by recognising the service-specific elements of political analysis. It synthesises not only what we have gleaned from the literature but also what we have learnt from consultations with sector and governance specialists about this approach.

Richard Batley and Daniel Harris