The Ideological Roots of Institutional Change, by Murat Iyigun & Jared Rubin
University of Colorado Working Paper, April 2017
Abstract:Why
do some societies fail to adopt more efficient institutions in
response to changing economic conditions? And why do such conditions
sometimes generate ideological backlashes and at other times lead to
transformative sociopolitical movements? We propose an explanation that
highlights the interplay - or lack thereof - between new technologies,
ideologies, and institutions. When new technologies emerge, uncertainty
results from a lack of understanding how the technology will fit with
prevailing ideologies and institutions. This uncertainty discourages
investment in institutions and the cultural capital necessary to take
advantage of new technologies. Accordingly, increased uncertainty during
times of rapid technological change may generate an ideological
backlash that puts a higher premium on traditional values. We apply the
theory to numerous historical episodes, including Ottoman reform
initiatives, the Japanese Tokugawa reforms and Meiji Restoration, and
the Tongzhi Restoration in Qing China.
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