Talk:
“A Theory of (In)formalization of Institutions”
by
Zeki Sarigil
Department of Political Science
Bilkent University
sarigil@bilkent.edu.tr
& Yasushi Hazama
IDE-JETRO
Yasushi_Hazama@ide.go.jp
Thursday, October 9, 2025, 12:30 p.m.
A-130 (FEASS Building)
Abstract:
Institutional analyses often emphasize the role of formal and informal institutions and their interplay, but in doing so they risk reifying these categories. In reality, institutional status is dynamic: informal institutions may become formalized, while formal institutions may become informalized. Yet the literature lacks a comprehensive theoretical or empirical account of these (in)formalization processes. This study addresses this gap by asking: Why, when, and how do formal institutions become informal, and informal institutions become formalized? Why do actors maintain some institutions in the informal sphere while shifting others to the formal realm? Drawing on typological theorizing, the study identifies two forms of formalization (formal absorption and formal uptake) and two forms of informalization (formal attrition and formal ejection). It then examines the conditions under which each type is more likely. Finally, the study illustrates these types and theoretical insights with several empirical cases from diverse national contexts (e.g., the US, Türkiye, and Japan).
Author Info:
Zeki SARIGIL is a Professor of Politics at Bilkent University.
Yasushi HAZAMA is a Senior Researcher at IDE-JETRO.