TY - JOUR
T1 - Institutions and individuals
T2 - Interaction and evolution
AU - Hodgson, G.M.
N1 - “The final, definitive version of this article has been published in the Journal, Organization Studies, 28 (1) 2007, Copyright SAGE Publications Ltd, SAGE Journals Online: http://online.sagepub.com/ "
PY - 2007
Y1 - 2007
N2 - The conceptualization of the relation between individual and structure is central to social science. After making some key definitions, this paper overviews some recent developments in the social theory of structure and agency, and makes a novel addition, based on a concept of habit derived from pragmatism and Veblenian institutional economics. Processes of habituation provide a mechanism of ‘reconstitutive downward causation’ where institutional circumstances may affect individual preferences. Finally, special characteristics of organizations are discussed, endorsing an evolutionary analytical approach that combines insights from both evolutionary economics and organization science.
AB - The conceptualization of the relation between individual and structure is central to social science. After making some key definitions, this paper overviews some recent developments in the social theory of structure and agency, and makes a novel addition, based on a concept of habit derived from pragmatism and Veblenian institutional economics. Processes of habituation provide a mechanism of ‘reconstitutive downward causation’ where institutional circumstances may affect individual preferences. Finally, special characteristics of organizations are discussed, endorsing an evolutionary analytical approach that combines insights from both evolutionary economics and organization science.
KW - downward causation
KW - methodological individualism
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=33846667773&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1177/0170840607067832
DO - 10.1177/0170840607067832
M3 - Article
SN - 0170-8406
VL - 28
SP - 95
EP - 116
JO - Organization Studies
JF - Organization Studies
IS - 1
ER -