Institutional Theory in Political Science 3rd Edition: The New Institutionalism / Edition 3

by B. Guy Peters

Overview

Institutional Theory in Political Science provides an in-depth analysis of contemporary institutional theory, an essential tool to understand the world of politics and government.

Written by B. Guy Peters, a prominent expert in the field, the book argues that the new institutionalism comprises eight variations on the theme of institutional analysis. Through a series of questions, the author assesses the possibility of a unified theory within institutionalism and its potential as a paradigm for political science.

This new edition incorporates the most recent developments in the research on the various institutionalisms. It also includes a new chapter that brings into the discussion themes of discursive politics and constructivism. Although the focus is on political science, attention is paid to institutionalism in other disciplines.

Institutional Theory in Political Science, 3rd Edition, reflects the state of the field today while building on the foundations set in the previous editions. This unique work will be of value to anyone studying institutionalism, as well as political institutions, and public administration.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781441130426
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	12/15/2011
Edition description:	3rd Edition
Pages:	232
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

B. Guy Peters is Professor of Political Science at the University of Pittsburgh, USA. He is the author or editor of over 60 books in political science, and a founding editor of the European Political Science Review and of Governance. He has been a guest professor in universities in almost every country in Europe and a number in Latin America and Asia.

Table of Contents

Preface 1. Institutionalism Old and New2. The Roots of the New Institutionalism: Normative Institutionalism3. Rational Choice Theory and Institutional Theory4. The Legacy of the Past: Historical Institutionalism5. Empirical Institutionalism6. Ideas as the Foundation of Institutions: Discursive Institutionalism7. Sociological Institutionalism8. Institutions of Interest Representation9. International Institutionalism10. Conclusion: One Institutionalism or Many?

Editorial Reviews

"Institutional theory continues to constitute the backbone of political science and public administration. This book provides a well-argued, systematic and balanced account of the various strands of institutional theory. The addition of a chapter on discursive institutionalism makes it an even more complete guide to institutional theory that will be of great value for students and scholars alike." - Jacob Torfing, Professor in Institutions and Politics, Roskilde University, Denmark

From the Publisher

Attempts to clarify some of the major issues in contemporary institutional theory in political science by asking a series of questions about seven extant approaches to institutions in political science and sociology. Discusses each of these perspectives, looking at their assumptions on what constitutes an institution, how institutions are formed and how they change, how institutions and individuals interact, and influences over behavior. Examines limitations of each approach, and investigates questions surrounding the design of institutions and criteria for a good institution. Distributed in the US by Continuum Publishing Group. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknew.com)

Booknews