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. 89-103). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage
Publications.
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.
Dr. Ronald J. Werner-Wilson