Reconciling the Approaches

Abstract

This chapter re-examines the functionalist and actor-centred logics and the interaction between them. It examines whether political players only react to existing constraints and determine whether the solution to the constraint can be achieved or whether they in fact also shape the substance of the reform. Similarly it reflects on whether the constraints can not only shape the reform content but also contribute towards enabling reforms to take place. It concludes that the four country case studies help us to uncover a more diversified overall approach to explaining the reform outcomes.