Overview

Institutional change is a central driving force behind social changes, and thus a central topic in all major fields of social sciences. Yet, no general theory of institutional change exists. Drawing from a diverse literature, this book develops a general theory of institutional change, based on a social evolutionary synthesis of the conflict approach and the harmony approach. The book argues that because the whole process of institutional change can be understood as a process of selecting a few ideas and turning them into institutions, competition of ideas and struggle for power to make rules are often at the heart of institutional change. The general theory not only integrates more specific theories and insights on institutional change that have been scattered in different fields into a coherent general theory but also provides fundamental new insights and points to new directions for future research. This book makes a fundamental contribution to all major fields of social sciences: sociology (sociological theory), political sciences, institutional economics, and political theory. It should be of general interest to scholars and students in all major fields of social science.

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9780415597692

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Reviews

'This book is a provocative effort to use evolutionary ideas as the basis for a new general theory of institutional change. The proposed theory offers a promising way of bridging conflict and consensus approaches to institutions in substantive research.ã I recommend it to all students of institutional formation and change.' James Mahoney, Professor, Northwestern University 'With impressive erudition, Shiping Tang advances a far-reaching general theory of institutional change. Engaging with classical and contemporary social and political theorists , Tang has formulated a bold account of institutions and institutional change that adds a new voice to cutting-edge debates on institutional change.' Daniel Ziblatt, author of Structuring the State, Professor of Government, Harvard University 'What is required to produce a general theory of institutional change? Shiping Tang develops a social evolutionary approach in which ideas and power--not a mechanical selection process--play a central role. A terrific introduction to the theoretical landscape.' Stephen Haggard, Professor, University of California, San Diego 'Shiping Tang seeks to provide us with a general theory of institutional change, based on a social evolutionary approach. Tang is exceptionally well read in social theory and provides us with a thought provoking analysis.' Dr Mark Haugaard, National University of Ireland, Galway

'This book is a provocative effort to use evolutionary ideas as the basis for a new general theory of institutional change. The proposed theory offers a promising way of bridging conflict and consensus approaches to institutions in substantive research.a I recommend it to all students of institutional formation and change.' James Mahoney, Professor, Northwestern University 'With impressive erudition, Shiping Tang advances a far-reaching general theory of institutional change. Engaging with classical and contemporary social and political theorists , Tang has formulated a bold account of institutions and institutional change that adds a new voice to cutting-edge debates on institutional change.' Daniel Ziblatt, author of Structuring the State, Professor of Government, Harvard University 'What is required to produce a general theory of institutional change? Shiping Tang develops a social evolutionary approach in which ideas and power--not a mechanical selection process--play a central role. A terrific introduction to the theoretical landscape.' Stephen Haggard, Professor, University of California, San Diego 'Shiping Tang seeks to provide us with a general theory of institutional change, based on a social evolutionary approach. Tang is exceptionally well read in social theory and provides us with a thought provoking analysis.' Dr Mark Haugaard, National University of Ireland, Galway

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Fudan University, China

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