Using Social Institutions to Promote Social Welfare: A Multi-Sectoral Approach to Social Problems and Solutions

• In Event: 355 - Section on Economic Sociology Roundtable Session (one-hour).
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 03. Welfare and Social Policy

Abstract

We develop an analytical approach to understanding the social foundations of contestations over social welfare and socially appropriate solutions. Borrowing a classification system from Biggart & Delbridge (2004), we highlight four distinct logics that motivate and constrain actors in different sectors. Recognizing that social goods are often valued by multiple sectors, each with different institutional logics and legitimacy needs, we argue that the most acceptable solutions for social welfare problems will draw on multiple logics that are embedded in different legitimate institutions. This approach moves beyond the dominant utilitarian approach to contextualize social welfare solutions within diverse institutional and cultural settings. We use several case studies on water governance to demonstrate the utility of this approach, but these insights also extend to other social welfare problems involving the allocation of resources whose scarcity threatens human survival and dignity.

Authors

• Kelsey Meagher, University of California-Davis

• Nicole Woolsey Biggart, University of California-Davis