A Structural Model of Sociopolitical Governance With an Example of Application In the United States

Abstract

Research into the delivery of social and health services has historically focused on program descriptions (qualitative research) that have minimal outcorne analysis or outcomes (quantitative research) that have minimal program description. Qualitative research typically provides documentation concerning program operation and how well it may work in a particular locality, but does not provide information concerning external conditions or extensive outcome analysis. Quantitative research focuses on the intervention and statistical analysis of the outcomes (usually pre- and post-) but as in the case of qualitative research lacks information concerning external conditions as well as a sampling frame that allows for generalizability to other locations. Thus, in both types of research, critical factors, (1) the extent to which external conditions impact the program and (2) the inability to project the generalizability (transfer) of program outcomes to other locations, have not been available to officials, administators or program managers that have responsibility for developing such programs. This article develops an initial structure model based upon the socio-political governance theory with identification and specification of parameters for estimation and analysis. It utilizes an example of a local program to inform the structural associations explicated within the model. Implications of the model for application in the local organization of social services are discussed.