Public Policy, Institutionalism, and New Institutionalism Flashcards
What are formal institutions
Formal institutions refer to explicit, written rules and structures, such as laws, constitutions, and government organizations
Examples of formal institutions
- Constitutions
- Government Structures
- Judicial Systems
- Electoral Systems
- Party Systems
- Public Bureaucracies
- Economic Institutions
What are informal institutions?
Informal institutions consist of unwritten rules, norms, and shared practices that influence how formal institutions operate.
Examples of informal institutions?
- Unwritten Norms
- Shared Understandings and Practices
- Standard Operating Procedures
why formal and informal institutions matter?
- Stability and Predictability
- Policy Outcomes
- Flexibility and Adaptation
- Power Dynamics
what is institutionalism?
it states that formal structures like constitutions, laws, and governmental frameworks as determinants of behavior of policy makers
who are proponents of institutionalism?
Max Weber, Woodrow Wilson
acc to institutionalism, what are the nature of institutions?
Static and hierarchical; institutions are fixed structures shaping policy outcomes.
who are proponents of new-institutionalism?
James March, Johan Olsen, Paul Pierson, Peter Hall, Rosemary Taylor
what is new-institutionalism?
It states that both formal and informal institutions, incorporating norms, values, and cultural elements alongside rules and structures shape the decisions of policymakers. Studies how informal networks and norms shape policy implementation, such as how local cultural practices influence healthcare delivery. New institutionalism examines the role of institutions—both formal and informal—in shaping public policy. Institutions are not just physical structures or organizations; they include rules, norms, and shared understandings that influence decision-making and behavior. New institutionalism highlights how these frameworks guide continuity and change in policymaking, focusing on the interaction between formal structures and informal practices.
acc to new institutinalism what are the nature of institutions?
Dynamic and evolving; institutions are shaped by social, historical, and political processes
What are approaches to institutionalism?
- Historical Institutionalism
- Rational Choice Institutionalism
- Normative and Sociological Institutionalism
- Constructivist (Discursive) Institutionalism
Historical Institutionalism
o Focuses on how institutions develop over time and how past decisions shape present actions.
o Concepts like “path dependence” explain how once an institution is established, it becomes costly and difficult to change.
o Significant events, called “critical junctures,” can set institutions on a particular path that influences future decisions.
What is rational choice institutionalism?
o Views institutions as structures that help individuals achieve their goals by reducing uncertainty and transaction costs.
o For example, rules in a legislature provide incentives for cooperation or penalties for noncompliance, helping politicians work together.
o Institutions solve problems like instability by creating predictable outcomes, such as regular election cycles
What is Normative and Sociological Institutionalism?
o Focuses on the role of norms and values within organizations.
o Institutions are seen as more than just rules—they represent shared understandings about what is appropriate or legitimate behavior.
o For example, bureaucracies may follow certain procedures because they are deeply ingrained in the organization’s culture, even if they are no longer the most efficient.
What is Constructivist (Discursive) Institutionalism?
o Emphasizes the role of ideas and beliefs in shaping institutions.
o Shared ideas become institutionalized when they are widely accepted and rarely questioned. However, institutions can change when these ideas are challenged or replaced.
o Communication and debate are key to understanding how institutions evolve over time.
what is agency?
The capacity of individuals or groups to act independently and make choices influencing public policy.
what is structure?
The overarching systems, institutions, and societal norms that shape and constrain public policy decisions.
