Family Policy: The Institutional Framework

1. 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 (2nded., pp. 89-103). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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