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 ). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Dr. Ronald J. Werner-Wilson 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.