Suchergebnisse

Every social problem is hierarchically structured. To elucidate the importance of this hierarchical aspect for solving social problems, the concepts of problem domain & context are introduced. For each problem, its defining instance, its definition, & its experience may be individual or collective. Subjective & objective components of problems can be distinguished. Each problem situation leads to the formation of a field of power involving various problem-defining instances, each with its particular problem definition & problem experience. Problems cannot be solved without taking into account each of the forces in this field of power. 1 Table, 2 Figures. Modified Author Summary.

A review of the literature on the comparative analysis of the unemployment problem in Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development countries, with attention to whether these findings can be fruitful for a more policy-centered discussion of mass unemployment in the Netherlands. Three theoretical & empirical contributions explaining the divergent reactions to the unemployment problem are considered: the power-structure approach of Manfred G. Schmidt, which leans heavily on a class-politics thesis & the neocorporatist debate; the historical-materialistic viewpoint, which focuses on the institutional past of countries; & the action-oriented & institutionalist-cultural theory. It is suggested that a political-institutional analysis should assess: the structures of policy making, the logic of collective action of the major interest organizations, & the logic of accommodation between the state & the major interest organization. 1 Table, 50 References. Modified AA