Why Institutions Matter: The New Institutionalism in Political Science (Political Analysis, 36)

This important new text provides a broad-ranging introduction to the 'new' institutional theories which have become increasingly influential in recent years and gives an assessment of their application and utility in political analysis. Contents 6 List of Illustrative Material 8 Acknowledgements 10 1 Why Study Institutions? 12 2 Three Phases of Institutionalism 29 3 Rules, Practices and Narratives 57 4 Power and Agency 88 5 Institutional Change 122 6 Institutional Diversity 155 7 Institutional Design 182 8 Conclusion 210 References 216 Author Index 236 Subject Index 240 The study of institutions is central to the subject matter of political science. This text provides a broad-ranging introduction to the 'new' institutional theories which have become increasingly influential in recent years and gives an assessment of their application and utility in political analysis Why Study Institutions? -- Three Phases Of Institutionalism -- Rules, Practices And Narratives -- Power And Agency -- Institutional Change -- Institutional Diversity -- Institutional Design. Vivien Lowndes, Mark Roberts. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 205-224) And Index.