chapter Introduction -- chapter 1 Two major approaches toward institutional change -- chapter 2 Toward a general theory of institutional change -- chapter 3 A general theory of institutional change -- chapter 4 Assessing the general theory -- chapter 5 Power/institutions and society -- chapter...

Introduction -- 1. Two major approaches toward institutional change -- 2. Toward a general theory of institutional change -- 3. A general theory of institutional change -- 4. Assessing the general theory -- 5. Power/institutions and society -- In lieu of conclusion : understanding social change.

This article advances a general theory of institutional change. I argue that because institutional change is essentially a process of selecting a few ideas out of many and solidifying them into institutions, competition of ideas and struggle for power to make rules are the heart of institutional...