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The Impact of the Social Fabric Matrix in Analysis and Policy Advice

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Institutional Analysis and Praxis

Abstract

The social fabric matrix (SFM) has been used in policy analysis for some 25 years. Several examples of SFM analysis are included within this volume. This chapter looks at these and other works and asks two simple questions. First, has the SFM shown itself to be a useful tool for policy analysis? Second, has SFM-based research and policy advice exercised real-world policy influence? Several examples are used to demonstrate that the answer to both of these questions is a qualified yes. The SFM fills an important role in the policy analysis toolbox and has in some cases had significant but hard won influence on actual policy.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    There is nothing in the analysis to suggest that Nebraska is a special case. It just happens that it was chosen for analysis.

  2. 2.

    http://www.geocities.com/daburton/LLRW/Neb-Chronology2.html.

  3. 3.

    For a popular account of the struggle over the waste site, see Cragin (2007).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wells Fargo Professor of Economics and International Business, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA

    Richard V. Adkisson

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  1. Richard V. Adkisson
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. St. Michael's College, Colchester, 05439, U.S.A.

    Tara Natarajan

  2. FB Wirtschaftsfwissenschaften, Universität Bremen, Hochschulring 4, Bremen, 28359, Germany

    Wolfram Elsner

  3. Wartburg College, Wartburg Blvd. 100, Waverly, 50677, U.S.A.

    Scott Fullwiler

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Adkisson, R.V. (2009). The Impact of the Social Fabric Matrix in Analysis and Policy Advice. In: Natarajan, T., Elsner, W., Fullwiler, S. (eds) Institutional Analysis and Praxis. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-88741-8_16

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