Module_3_-_Institutions__1_

Module Overview

• Presenter: Andrew R. Basso, Ph.D

• Institution: Wilfrid Laurier University

• Course: Fall 2024, Module Three

Understanding Institutions

• Definition: Institutions are constraints shaping political, economic, and social interactions.

  • Types of Constraints:

    • Informal Constraints: Sanctions, taboos, customs, traditions, codes of conduct.

    • Formal Rules: Constitutions, laws, property rights.

• Purpose: To create order and reduce uncertainty in exchanges (Douglass North, 1990).

Institutions and Incentives

• Institutions function as incentive structures.

• Importance in overcoming transaction costs.

• Have significant impacts on societal interactions.

• Institutions are enforced and reproduced through various means.

Structure and Agency

• Concepts:

  • Agency: Direct effects, strategic learning in political exchanges.

  • Structure: Includes authoritative rules, socially constructed identities.

• Institutionalism explores the interplay between agents and structures.

• Quotes illustrating concepts: "The sculptor is the efficient cause…"

Social Structures

• Interaction of structures and agents:

  • How agency enables or constrains actions of actors in society.

  • Symbols used in representations of agents and structures.

Types of Institutions

• Formal Institutions:

  • Defined as rules and procedures developed through official channels (e.g., Rule of Law).

  • Characteristics include codified written documents, standardized practices, and clear authority.

  • Change: Possible but often faces institutional resistance.

• Informal Institutions:

  • Defined as unwritten and socially shared rules enforced outside of official channels.

  • Examples: Taking off hats in church, removing coats in restaurants.

  • Characteristics: Laborious changes, solving problems, can be complementary or competing.

Institutional Change

• Institutions evolve to survive, with change often being disjointed and problematic.

• Factors influencing change:

  • Breaking Points

  • Meaning Drifts

  • Influential Factors: Identities, distribution of capabilities, political history, and adaptation strategies.

Human Rights

• Considered a powerful institution affecting various levels:

  • Levels: International systems, states, NGOs, sub-state actors, individuals.

  • Implications of rights-based societies, enforcement asymmetries, violations, and defense mechanisms.

Examples of Institutions

• Major inquiries regarding effects and reciprocal influences on individuals:

  • Education: Curriculum decisions and teaching methods.

  • Healthcare: Prioritization of diagnostics and treatment methods.

  • Cultural Issues: Multiculturalism vs. melting pot frameworks; implications on individual identities.

  • Behavioral Patterns: Analysis of societal behaviors including substance use and mitigation strategies.

Case Study: The Russian Oligarchy

• Key Individuals:

  • Notable figures include Anatoly Chubais, Mikhail Gorbachev, Vladimir Putin, and Alexei Navalny among others.

Housing Inequality

• Connection of historical and present inequalities:

  • Analysis on institutionalized processes and how to address these inequities moving forward.

Racism and Discrimination

• Exploration of socially constructed identities:

  • Examination of causes and effects, utility considerations, and power dynamics in marginalization.

Canadian Settler Colonialism

• Understanding the implications of the settler colonial system:

  • Explore repressive politics, treaties, health crises, and identity issues stemming from historical injustices.

  • Notable events include the Indian Act, residential schools, forced sterilizations, and recent reconciliation efforts.

International System as an Institution

• Introduction to fundamental theories of International Relations:

  • Overview: Realism, Liberalism, Marxism, Constructivism, etc.

  • Concepts of Westphalian sovereignty and power politics.

• Questions posed: Do you want to be seen as Godzilla or Bambi?