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Discursive institutionalism as a research framework: result from a systematic literature review

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  • Marek Ćwiklicki

    (Krakow University of Economics)

  • Anna Mirzyńska

    (Krakow University of Economics)

Abstract

This paper focuses on one of the recent theoretical contributions to the analysis of public policies: discursive institutionalism (DI). It aims to define elements of research approaches for empirical papers that refer to DI. We answer two main questions: How is DI used as a research framework? Moreover, how do researchers describe their research methodology? We examined 103 articles published between 2008 and 2020 and applied the analytical criteria in line with a systematic literature review. Based onthe data synthesis, we formulated suggestions for building a strong foundation for the research methodology for DI. We observe that researchers who undertake such studies also originate from these countries. Moreover, the manner of using DI differs. Despite the recommendation to include ideas, discourse, and actors, among others, simultaneously in this field of study, researchers tend to emphasise only one or two aspects. The paper contributes by providing a systematisation of knowledge about research methodologies related to DI, identifying the most frequently used methods, pinpointing their suitability to a research topic (subject), presenting the style of thedescription of the research methodology section (which is missing for certain papers) and highlighting the co-occurrence of DI with other research methodologies. The results are expected to help formulate guidelines for enhancing methodological rigourregarding the aspects that should impact the quality of research undertaken within the DI paradigm.

Suggested Citation

  • Marek Ćwiklicki & Anna Mirzyńska, 2025. "Discursive institutionalism as a research framework: result from a systematic literature review," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 59(4), pages 2941-2960, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:qualqt:v:59:y:2025:i:4:d:10.1007_s11135-025-02115-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s11135-025-02115-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Francisco Panizza & Romina Miorelli, 2013. "Taking Discourse Seriously: Discursive Institutionalism and Post-structuralist Discourse Theory," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 61(2), pages 301-318, June.
    2. Manuel Castells, 2008. "The New Public Sphere: Global Civil Society, Communication Networks, and Global Governance," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 616(1), pages 78-93, March.
    3. Jenny Fairbrass, 2011. "Exploring Corporate Social Responsibility Policy in the European Union: A Discursive Institutionalist Analysis," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 49(5), pages 949-970, September.
    4. Hall, Peter A. & Taylor, Rosemary C. R., 1996. "Political science and the three new institutionalisms," MPIfG Discussion Paper 96/6, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies.
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