SYSTEMATIZATION OF APPROACHES TO THE DEFINITION OF THE CATEGORY "INSTITUTION"

Interpretation of institution is highlighted as a fundamental category of institutionalism. The cause of the current scientific mismatch as to the nature of institutions has been determined. Varieties of interpretation of institutions, which are found in the literature have been grouped into two approaches – a content-determined one and a comprehensive approach. The differences between these approaches have been disclosed. The author's position regarding the scientific value of each of them has been presented and advantages of the comprehensive approach have been justified. The sources of institutional differentiation have been analyzed. The reasons for preferential use of the category "institution" have been given.