Abstract
The social fabric matrix (SFM) together with the principles of institutional adjustment (PIA) may be used within the theoretical framework of the Veblenian dichotomy. This combination advances the conceptual and empirical reach of both. The Veblenian dichotomy is used to analyze the relationship of instrumental and ceremonial behaviors to institutions. It ties together the PIA and the SFM. The SFM identifies and incorporates several components for examining a problem and attempting to develop policies. The analysis of change is an important aspect of Institutional economics. Change involves adjustment of ceremonial behaviors to instrumental ones. Change in both group and individual behavior is controlled by the PIA. Habit adjustment is the individual counterpart to institutional adjustment. Perception of circumstances and consequences control behavior, and perceptions are controlled by habits. The potential directions and ability of an institution/habit to change can be informed by use of the SFM. The subject matter of this chapter is the connection of these and their application to institutional and individual adjustment.
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Notes
- 1.
See Waller (1982). I came of age on C.E. Ayres’ version of the Veblenian dichotomy, but gradually came to Foster’s view. The main force in changing my thinking was the Principles of Institutional Adjustment. Bill Williams had much to do with it. Those who knew Bill or his work will recognize his influence on this present chapter.
- 2.
Pragmatic is used in the classical sense as found in the work of C.S. Peirce and John Dewey. See Webb (2007).
- 3.
Foster’s term was technological determinism (Foster, 1981). In this chapter it has been renamed as instrumental primacy. The latter is more in line with terminology used to define the Veblenian dichotomy and in light of contemporary usage of technological determinism, it is less likely to be misunderstood.
- 4.
For a more complete explication of deliberation as used in pragmatic philosophy see Dewey (1922).
- 5.
Here, the argument is not significantly different from that made by Dewey (1922). It is only in its application to the theory of human behavior as the control of perception that the argument is expanded.
- 6.
Here, the term experience is meant as Dewey expresses it, perhaps best in Art as Experience, Chap. 3: “Having an Experience.”
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Sturgeon, J.I. (2009). The Social Fabric Matrix, the Principles of Institutional Adjustment, and Individual Action. 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_3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-88741-8_3
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