Julia Coyoli (American Politics Research Workshop)

Speaker

Julia Coyoli, "How Organizations Drive Implementation: Educational Quality, Teachers’ Unions, and Subnational Politics in Mexico"

Abstract

While policy implementation is consequential for a range of political, social, and economic outcomes, it is difficult, as it frequently requires the cooperation of groups that oppose the policy. Yet, some policies are successfully implemented, and we know little about how and why this occurs. I put forth an explanation that focuses on two aspects of the opponents. Implementation is more likely when opposition to the policy is distributive, centered on the costs of implementation, rather than ideological and when opponents are represented by a single organization. Under these conditions, governments can induce cooperation, covering the organization’s costs in exchange for their support and compliance. I illustrate the logic of the argument via case studies of the implementation of an education reform in two Mexican states. In one, multiple unions lacked bargaining power, did not receive concessions, and teachers who failed to comply with the new reform were fired. In the other, a single union bargained with the governor to receive concessions, which induced a high level of compliance. I then use original data and measures to show that my argument explains variation in implementation across Mexican states.

The American Politics Research Workshop (Gov 3004) presents an opportunity for graduate students and Harvard faculty to present and receive feedback on their current research. The workshop highlights key theoretical and empirical findings from Harvard affiliates on topics related to American politics. 

All interested Harvard affiliates are invited to attend.