Historical Institutionalist Perspective Research Articles

The Historical Change, Evolutionary Logic and Dynamic Mechanism of China's Major Enrollment System

The general enrollment system is a hot issue in the field of higher education reform. And the scientific cognition of its historical evolution, internal logic and dynamic mechanism is helpful to promote the reform of China's undergraduate enrollment system. From the perspective of historical institutionalism, the evolution of Chinese enrollment categories can be divided into four major historical stages: historical gestation, preliminary exploration, rapid rise and in-depth development. Tracing the hidden institutional logic behind the policy, it is found that the initial conditions, positive feedback mechanism and mindset make the change of the major enrollment system have a strong path dependence. In terms of dynamic mechanism, politics, economy and society constitute the basic factors of institutional change; learning effect, adaptive expectation and resource optimization orientation constitute the internal driving force of self-strengthening in the system; and the interest game among various action subjects constitutes the direct driving force of institutional change. In the future, the major enrollment system will accelerate the comprehensive reform of higher education through the three aspects of deepening rational practice examination, enhancing cross-cultivation and exploration, and promoting the transformation of human-oriented management, so as to enable the connotative development of higher education.

The Evolutionary Trajectory and Developmental Dynamics of Intergovernmental Cooperative Environmental Governance from the Perspective of Historical Institutionalism

The Evolutionary Trajectory and Developmental Dynamics of Intergovernmental Cooperative Environmental Governance from the Perspective of Historical Institutionalism

How is Educational Equity Possible: The Evolutionary Logic of Compulsory Education Enrollment Policies from the Perspective of Historical Institutionalism

The enrollment policy for compulsory education concerns the right of school-age children and adolescents to receive equal education, as well as the realization of educational equity. Based on the analytical framework of historical institutionalism, this paper examines the evolutionary logic of the enrollment policy for compulsory education. Since the founding of New China, China's enrollment policy for compulsory education has undergone four periods: efficiency priority, balancing efficiency and fairness, emphasizing fairness, and implementing fairness, reflecting a shift in policy value orientation from efficiency to fairness. Economic system reform, uneven regional development, and the concept of educational equity are the underlying structural factors influencing policy changes. Rational choices made by actors such as the government, schools, and parents have led to path dependence in policy changes. Reform and opening up, initial education reform, and comprehensive reform in the field of education have become three critical junctures in promoting policy changes. We should always adhere to educational equity as the policy value goal, seek to break through path dependence at critical junctures, and focus on the coordination of multiple subjects in the gradual development of policies, in order to better achieve educational equity.

The Historical Changes and Evolutionary Logic of Transitional Community Governance in China

Effective transitional community governance is an objective requirement for achieving efficient grassroots governance. Analyzing the basic context, internal logic, and development drivers of transitional community governance changes is of positive significance for promoting the modernization of the national grassroots governance system and governance capabilities. Based on the perspective of historical institutionalism, China's transitional community governance has roughly gone through three stages: a government led unitary control system, a core diversified system, and a community governance system. The basic logic of its transformation is from "management" to "governance", from "extensive" to "refined", and from "government led" to "diversified co governance". Further looking ahead to the governance of transitional communities, the main directions lie in three aspects: firstly, continuously absorbing diverse entities and balancing the governance structure of transitional communities; The second is to empower communities with technology through digital empowerment; The third is to promote community cultural construction and eliminate the tension of community governance.

Changes in Our Government's Counterpart Support Policy, Logic of Evolution and Prospects for Reform

Coordinated regional development is inextricably linked to the practice of the counterpart support policy, and a scientific understanding of its historical process, evolutionary logic, and power mechanism is an important issue in realizing comprehensive economic and social progress and common prosperity. Based on the perspective of historical institutionalism, a panoramic overview of the internal logic of the change of the counterpart support system can help improve the foresight of reform. China's counterpart support system has experienced three stages: early germination, initial establishment and deep promotion, and the reform process has been deeply influenced by the transformation of the economic system, the requirements of regional coordinated development and the consensus of community values, and has shown obvious path dependence. The birth of the "factory-package commune" model, the convening of the National Conference on Border Defence, and the speeches made at the conference on post-disaster reconstruction are three key points in the development of the counterpart support system. The power mechanism for the evolution of the counterpart support system comes from the vertical "administrative contracting system" and the horizontal "competition tournament". In the future, the counterpart support system will continue to develop along the lines of scientific, intelligent and balanced development, exploring new modes of counterpart support, and pushing forward the improvement of the quality and effectiveness of counterpart support work.

The Construction of Order for Social Organizations to Carry out Social Innovation: Evolutionary Logic, Operational Mechanism and Path Choice

Social innovation refers to the innovative phenomenon of bringing new solutions and development opportunities in the field of social development through changes in the way of thinking, technical means and management mode by means of social forces such as organizations, institutions and social groups. During the 30 years of reform and opening up, the innovation practices led by social organizations and the social networks they build have gradually become an important main body of social innovation in China. The article analyzes the course of change of the management system of social organizations from the perspective of historical institutionalism, places the social innovation led by social organizations in the three-dimensional analytical framework of “system-course-behavior”, and examines the logical evolution of the order of social innovation and the mechanism of social innovation along the trajectory of the interaction between the government and social organizations. Under the operating mechanism consisting of the institutional arrangement of the authoritative body, spontaneous exploration and dynamic strategic choice of social organizations, the benign interaction between the government and society can reduce the cost and risk of social innovation, reduce the loss of resources and vicious competition, and achieve the balance and stability of social innovation order.

Between Freedom and Order: Evolution logic of urban-rural population mobility Policy from the perspective of historical institutionalism

Urban-rural population flow is the key element and important driving force for urban-rural integration development and rural revitalization. The pattern of urban-rural population flow in China is restricted and guided by policies. From the perspective of historical institutionalism, this paper analyzes the evolution context, structural logic and dynamic mechanism of the change of urban and rural population mobility policy. The urban and rural population mobility policy has gone through five historical stages: the order reconstruction period at the beginning of the founding of New China, the political call period after the Great Leap Forward Movement, the free flow period after the reform and opening up, the period of making the best use of the situation under the economic system reform and the accelerated integration period under the background of the new era. The institutional choice under different paths, the institutional evolution under the key nodes and the institutional continuation under the path dependence constitute the structural logic of the policy change of urban-rural population mobility. The situation coupling under the action of exogenous variables, the value coupling promoted by the change of ideas, and the subject coupling under the interaction of actors’ game constitute the dynamic mechanism of policy change, which promotes the historical change and realistic development of policy.

Historical trajectory, logic of change and dynamics of the regulatory system for ground floor stalls--Based on a historical institutionalist perspective

The regulatory system of street stalls is an important part of China's street governance system, which plays a pivotal role in the country's economic development and social stability. Based on the analytical framework of historical institutionalism, by analyzing the historical trajectory of the change of China's street stall regulatory system, it is found that it presents a double logic of change in terms of the mode and process of change, and that its power mechanism consists of the synergistic interactions among stakeholders, social values, the institutional environment, and the institutional system. Reflecting on the past and looking forward to the future, in order to promote the long-term sustainable development of the stall regulation system and make it enter a virtuous cycle of institutional change, it is necessary to further strengthen the concept of people-oriented management, innovate the management mechanism, and promote the combination of stall regulation and artificial intelligence.

Human resources in dentistry geographical distribution in Brazil and Colombia: Comparative analysis from the perspective of historical institutionalism

The Human Resource in Health constitutes one of the six core components of health systems, playing a crucial role in realizing the right to health and ensuring access and service quality. Additionally, institutional frameworks within each country, encompassing laws, decrees, political systems, and health system characteristics, exert a significant influence on HRH and, specifically, in Human Resources in Dentistry (HRD). Both Brazil and Colombia experienced neoliberal reforms in the 1990s, introducing new institutions within the existing model and altering the social, political, and economic dynamics of each country. This study aims to examine the impact of institutional arrangements stemming from the 1990s neoliberal reforms in Brazil and Colombia on HRDs, focusing on geographic distribution. Employing a comparative analysis and adopting a historical institutionalism perspective, the research relies on a methodology involving multiple case studies with embedded units. Results reveal that the neoliberal reforms represented critical junctures reshaping the social and economic policies of both nations. In this context, the reforms influenced wealth distribution in both countries, subsequently impacting the unequal geographical distribution of HRD. These effects were closely tied to factors such as labor flexibility and the unregulated, unplanned expansion of dentistry courses. These elements initiated positive feedback loops, characterized by path dependence and increasing returns, which have contributed to the institutionalization and persistence of these phenomena within the state and have become entrenched in HRDs over time.

Сотрудничество в области безопасности ЕС и Латинской Америки: история и эволюция

Introduction. This article aims to analyze the process of security cooperation between the European Union and countries in Latin America from the perspective of historical institutionalism and the methodological tools proposed by the Copenhagen School. The author covers the main stages of the development of relations between these two regions, starting with early initiatives in the field of political and economic support and moving towards deeper cooperation in the field of security. Methods. The main theoretical and methodological support of this study is historical neo-institutionalism, which focuses attention on the role of institutional choices made earlier in the historical past, i.e., the “path dependence” principle. The research uses the sector-specific approach to security analysis developed by the Copenhagen School. Analysis and results. In the historical context, three main stages can be distinguished in the development of relations between the EU and the countries of the LCA in the field of security. The first bipolar stage (1945–1991) was characterized mainly by political and economic support from the United States and NATO as the main structure of regional security. Relations between the EU and Latin American countries at this time were sporadic, largely complicated by multiple crises within Latin American countries. However, in the 1960s, relations in the fields of economic cooperation and economic security began to be built between the regions. In the conditions of the second stage, post-bipolar (1991–2014), the concept of strategic partnership begins to be actively developed between regions, not only in the economic but also in the political and military spheres. Also, the EU, trying to simultaneously institutionally build its own security policy and the European army, began to conduct peacekeeping operations during this period with varying success (since 2003). The current stage (from 2014 to present) is characterized by growing contradictions between Russia, Ukraine, and the collective West, consolidated around the United States, as well as the destruction of the newly created post-bipolar regional security system. The LCA countries, which are afraid of being drawn into a conflict, are trying to develop their own course in the field of security policy.

Health poverty alleviation in China from the perspective of historical institutionalism: policy changes and driving factors.

Health poverty alleviation is an effective tool for improving the living quality and developmental conditions of impoverished populations. Since 1978, China has been actively implementing health poverty alleviation projects, resulting in a more robust rural healthcare service network and increased convenience for the local population to access medical treatment. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that China still faces a complex situation with the simultaneous existence of multiple disease threats and the interweaving of various health influencing factors. Ongoing risks of emerging infectious diseases persist, and some previously controlled or eliminated infectious diseases are at risk of resurgence. The incidence of chronic diseases is on the rise and exhibits a trend toward affecting younger populations. Therefore, examining the successful experiences of China's health poverty alleviation over the past 40 years becomes a critically important issue. The study focuses on China's health poverty alleviation policies, employing historical institutionalism as a theoretical perspective to analyze the historical changes and evolutionary logic of health poverty alleviation policies. A historical institutionalist analytical framework for health poverty alleviation policies is constructed. The research findings reveal that China's health poverty alleviation policy has undergone three distinct periods since 1978: the initial phase (1978-2000), the exploratory phase (2000-2012), and the stable development phase (2013-present). At the macro level, the political, economic, and social contexts of different periods have influenced the evolution of health poverty alleviation policies. On the meso level, coordination effects and adaptive expectations have had an impact on China's health poverty alleviation policy. At the micro level, various actors, including the central government, local governments at different levels, social forces, and impoverished communities, interact during the evolution of health poverty alleviation policies. This paper summarizes the theoretical aspects of China's health poverty alleviation policy experience. The research conclusions, viewed through the lens of historical institutionalism, offer practical insights into the evolution of government policies. This provides directional guidance for enhancing health poverty alleviation projects.

The natural resource management in Nunavut and Greenland – a perspective through historical institutionalism

ABSTRACT This article compares the self-government system in Greenland in Denmark and territorial governance in Nunavut, Canada in relation to the management of natural resources through the perspective of historical institutionalism. Both territories have undergone processes of re-empowerment, and possess major assets of natural resources, and the struggle for self-determination has triggered their metropolitan states (Denmark and Finland) and regional governments to consider some form of self-government. However, two different solutions have appeared due to gradual development through path dependency as legislation and form of government. Nunavut is a territory within the Canadian federal construction, based on Indigenous claims, while Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Danish unitary state. The land claims in Canada have given Nunavut some influence in the management of its natural resources, while Greenland has taken control of its subterranean resources through extended self-government implemented in 2009. This article will highlight the resource policy similarities and differences of the two territories via three potential explanatory factors: historical background, self-government, and the management of natural resources as a point of departure. The findings show that both regions have similarities in historical background and the management of natural resources, but there are also significant differences in how local authorities have addressed mining projects.

마이스터고 정책의 제도적 변화 분석: 역사적 제도주의 관점을 중심으로

This study analyzed the trajectory of policy change in Meister High School from a historical institutionalism perspective. Through this analysis, the causes for the continuity of Meister High School policy as part of the secondary vocational education system, regardless of changes in government, and the internal catalysts for change were examined from a historical perspective.
 The key findings of the study, summarized using the perspective of historical institutionalism and commonly used terms in this discourse, are as follows. First, the Meister High School policy emerged by highlighting the differentiation point of "Meister" while maintaining existing elements of the secondary vocational education system. Second, the Meister High School policy relied on the performance indicator of employment rates during the preparatory and implementation stages, forming path dependence. Various pre-existing policy elements combined institutionally to form a layering effect in the path formation. Third, the policy drifted due to unintended consequences such as negative public discourse on fair access for youth, negative perceptions of employment upon high school graduation, and issues related to early employment and working conditions, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on industries and educational settings.
 In summary, the Meister High School policy is undergoing a gradual transformation, and has the uniqueness of attempting issue framing by the same minister in different periods of government. As an actor, the Minister of Education sought to dominate and frame the agenda of vocational education, but the influence varied depending on the timing and context in which the policy was situated. Based on the research findings, implications for the Meister High School policy are derived, and suggestions for the institutional aspects of the development of Meister High School are provided.

Institutionalisation of public participation in China's urban regeneration from the perspective of historical institutionalism: Three-stage cases in Guangzhou

Research into public participation in urban regeneration holds a significant position in global urban research, with a considerable body of literature describing the practices of multiple stakeholders' participation in diverse institutional contexts. In the centralised dynamic context for China's urban regeneration, the institutional arrangements and practices of public participation and the evolution processes between them still remain “black boxes”. This paper aims to clarify the institutionalisation process of public participation in China's urban regeneration. Using the historical institutionalism perspective, this research adapts the institutionalisation framework proposed by Burns and Scapens (2000) to the analysis of participatory governance in China's planning context. It analyses three phases of urban regeneration in Guangzhou and provides corresponding case studies for an in-depth analysis. The findings reveal that the success of public participation in urban regeneration varies across phases, mainly due to the degree of government power sharing and the inclusion of non-governmental actors in decision-making through genuinely participative interactions. This research develops an institutionalisation analysis framework and notes that the proposed institutionalisation path only partially applies to public participation in China's urban regeneration. The institutionalisation of public participation from the institutional realm to the realm of action in China's regeneration practices departs from hysteresis, which is the opposite of synchronisation in historical institutionalism. The root cause of this inefficient institutionalisation and its separation from practice is the imbalance in the allocation of power resources. These findings provide institutionalisation insights into the interrelationships between the evolution of policy and practices of public participation.

Vocational education and training (VET) development and social dialogue in Egypt: A historical institutional perspective

Vocational education and training (VET) development and social dialogue in Egypt: A historical institutional perspective

Redistributing power? Comparing the electrical system experiences in Chile and Brazil from a historical institutional perspective

Although studies on sustainable energy transition have grown considerably, the focus on developing countries is lacking, mainly in terms of governing schemes and the social power distribution that allows, blocks and drives the transition. Contributing to filling this gap, this work analyses the cases of Chile and Brazil, two countries with a well-marked nonconventional renewable energy penetration and who implemented distributed generation at the beginning of the 21st century. Considering institutions as carriers of history, we review the Chilean and Brazilian electrical systems, crossing—in parallel—three historical steps of both systems: genesis, structuration, and sustainable energy transition. As an initial contribution, this work fashions a framework integrating historical institutionalism with conceptions of power and elites in transitions to understand the main junctures, paths, and tendencies driving Chilean and Brazilian electrical governance over time. As a second insight, it focuses on on-grid energy communities as an eventual critical milestone in the energy transition since it might extend participation to the many, being a channel to redistribute social power within energy systems. With an emerging institutional framework for on-grid energy communities in Chile and Brazil, there is vast potential to develop these initiatives in citizens' hands.

Policymaking and the spatial characteristics of land subsidence in North Jakarta

The narrative of “Jakarta is sinking!” has grown louder following the seasonal flood events over the past few years. What makes the case interesting is that the actual shape of land subsidence is growing fastest at around 20 cm per year in the northwest area, which is dominated by housing and settlements rather than commercial buildings and industries. This study aims to provide an academic explanation of the land subsidence phenomenon from the perspective of historical institutionalism. Applying spatial analysis and documentary reviews, we discussed the relationship between policy directions and land subsidence forms over decades. This paper found that spatial policy which have been pushed the urbanization in north Jakarta has contributed a more significant impact on land subsidence. The inability of government policy to address groundwater utilization both from the settlements and industries with the provisioning of access to safe water, emerged as one of the most significant factors triggering land subsidence.

A principal-agent historical institutionalist perspective on Frontex Joint Sea Operations

A principal-agent historical institutionalist perspective on Frontex Joint Sea Operations

A principal-agent historical institutionalist perspective on Frontex Joint Sea Operations

A principal-agent historical institutionalist perspective on Frontex Joint Sea Operations

German capitalism and migrant work in meat. How COVID allowed to break the path-dependent labour exploitation

Major COVID-19 outbreaks in slaughterhouses brought the extent of migrant labour exploitation in the German meat sector to the limelight. Adopting a historical-institutionalist perspective, we argue that the COVID-19 pandemic marked a critical juncture for migrant workers, albeit with highly contingent effects. Only in the meat sector could political salience enable a far-reaching policy response. By contrast, precisely to avoid any broader effects of the pandemic in terms of food supply, the social protection of seasonal workers was temporarily even lowered. While the reform’s precise effects remain to be seen, our comparative case study shows that member states have regulatory options to shape the effects of European integration. We understand the reform resistance and path dependence of the meat sector in the context of German capitalism’s export dependence. While undervaluation in the Euro regime is normally discussed as cause for wage restraint, underpaid migrant work as analysed in this paper appears as an additional explanation.