Family Policy The Institutional Framework Zimmerman S L

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 (2 nd ed. , pp. 89 -103). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Introduction Ø 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). Ø This framework highlights the importance of institutional structures and values for determining policy outcomes” (p. 89). Ø Assumptions (p. 90) u “As an institution, government is governed by the norms and values expressed in the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. ” u “The way in which government is structured reflects such norms and values. ” u “The way in which government is structured and the norms and values underlying its structure favor some outcomes more than others. ” u “Characteristics of such outcomes are their legitimacy, authority, and universality. ” Dr. Ronald J. Werner-Wilson

The Constitution as the Nation’s Institutional Framework Ø The Constitution defines u The role of the federal government in relation to the states and the people. u The role of the president as chief executive and his or her relationship to congress. u The role of the Senate and House and their relationship to each other. u The role of the judiciary. u 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 Ø The Articles of Confederation were the first institutional framework for the U. S. u They protected personal rights by limiting the role of government. u Government was prevented from completing duties of a national government (i. e. , levy taxes, regulate commerce, negotiate treaties with other countries). Ø Two factions dominated development of the Constitution: u Federalists: provide a stronger national government. u Anti-Federalists: opposed stronger government for fear of government tyrrany. Ø 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 Ø Legitimacy: lawfulness of policy and processes that produce it. Ø Authority: power of government to enforce policies. Ø Universality: applicability to all persons. Ø Features of U. S. Government u Institutional Arrangement Reflects the Values Underlying the Structure u Complexity of Congressional Committee Structure u Rules for Governing Committee Behaviors u Replication of Committee Specialization at State and County Levels u Citizen Participation as an Institutional Norm Dr. Ronald J. Werner-Wilson

Discussion Questions Ø What are the implications of assumptions associated with an institutional approach to family policy. Ø What are some of the problems associated with citizen participation? Ø Develop a strategy to advocate for a family policy that is based on an institutional approach. Dr. Ronald J. Werner-Wilson