Family Policy: The Institutional Framework Zimmerman, S. L. (1995). The institutional framework: Family policy as the outcome of institutional arrangements.
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Transcript Family Policy: The Institutional Framework Zimmerman, S. L. (1995). The institutional framework: Family policy as the outcome of institutional arrangements.
Family Policy:
The Institutional Framework
Zimmerman, S. L. (1995). The
institutional framework: Family policy as
the outcome of institutional
arrangements. In S. L. Zimmerman,
Understanding family policy (2nd ed.,
pp. 89-103). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage
Publications.
Introduction
Definition of an institution: “an interrelated
system of social roles and norms
organized around the satisfaction of an
important social need or function” (p. 89).
This framework highlights the importance
of institutional structures and values for
determining policy outcomes” (p. 89).
Assumptions (p. 90)
“As an institution, government is governed by
the norms and values expressed in the
Constitution and Declaration of
Independence.”
“The way in which government is structured
reflects such norms and values.”
“The way in which government is structured
and the norms and values underlying its
structure favor some outcomes more than
others.”
“Characteristics of such outcomes are their
legitimacy, authority, and universality.”
Dr. Ronald J. Werner-Wilson
The Constitution as the Nation’s
Institutional Framework
The Constitution defines
The role of the federal government in relation
to the states and the people.
The role of the president as chief executive
and his or her relationship to congress.
The role of the Senate and House and their
relationship to each other.
The role of the judiciary.
The role of citizens and the relationship of
each of these institutional entities to the other.
Dr. Ronald J. Werner-Wilson
The Constitution: Some Early
History
The Articles of Confederation were the
first institutional framework for the U.S.
They protected personal rights by limiting the
role of government.
Government was prevented from completing
duties of a national government (i.e., levy
taxes, regulate commerce, negotiate treaties
with other countries).
Two factions dominated development of
the Constitution:
Federalists: provide a stronger national
government.
Anti-Federalists: opposed stronger
government for fear of government tyrrany.
Constitution was developed as a
compromise between two factions with a
series of checks and balances.
Dr. Ronald J. Werner-Wilson
Distinguishing Features of Policy
Choice
Legitimacy: lawfulness of policy and
processes that produce it.
Authority: power of government to
enforce policies.
Universality: applicability to all persons.
Features of U.S. Government
Institutional Arrangement Reflects the Values
Underlying the Structure
Complexity of Congressional Committee
Structure
Rules for Governing Committee Behaviors
Replication of Committee Specialization at
State and County Levels
Citizen Participation as an Institutional Norm
Dr. Ronald J. Werner-Wilson
Discussion Questions
What are the implications of assumptions
associated with an institutional approach
to family policy.
What are some of the problems
associated with citizen participation?
Develop a strategy to advocate for a
family policy that is based on an
institutional approach.
Dr. Ronald J. Werner-Wilson