We extend the transformational model of social activity proposed in recent realist social theory by importing into it a theory of technological objects and technological change. The paper begins with an account of the transformational model, focusing particularly on the relationship between...

This work bridges a critical gap in the social sciences. It brings identity and norms to economics. People's notions of what is proper, and what is forbidden, and for whom, are fundamental to how hard they work, and how they learn, spend, and save

This chapter investigates the relationship between social norms and the local population's attitude toward immigration. Although there are benefits from immigration in terms of greater consumption opportunities, disutility from changes in social norms due to immigration may vary across different...

Illustrated with graphics and maps, the Atlas of Gender and Development gives readers a unique insight into the impact of social institutions - traditions, social norms and cultural practices - on gender equality in 124 non-OECD countries. Gender inequality holds back not just women but the...

The German debate on bioethics and medical ethics turns on a change in the meaning of human dignity. Such dignity is increasingly rendered contingent upon a person's empirically assessable quality of life. In contrast to such dignity-endowed human life, a merely biological human life is taken to...

This article assesses the similarity and difference between the Western European style of doing bioethics and the Scandinavian one. First, it reviews the introductory article by the editor, C. Delkeskamp-Hayes in the first issue of Christian Bioethics (2008), devoted to the possibility of a...

A model is developed to understand how norms can be influenced by norm entrepreneurs, e.g., lawmakers, government agencies, unions, etc. Two instruments of influencing the dynamics of norm-following behavior are analyzed, namely transforming the (monetary) incentives and changing the meaning or...