This study is concerned with the collective consequences of social rules. The theoretical analyses take as a starting point the notion of 'new institutionalism' in the social sciences. The analyses focus on the nature and societal role of institutions, and more specifically social security institutions: the 'rules of relief' that are constructed by the community.

This book examines the performance of the public sector of twenty-eight OECD countries between 1995 and 2009. Outcomes in the fields of education, health, housing, and safety are related to the amount of public spending. Special attention is paid to the viewpoint of the individual citizen. Observed differences in the productivity and effectiveness of public services logically lead to the question of how they come about. Can countries learn from each other and can they improve their public sector performance by adopting best practices found in other nations? This book examines the performance of the public sector of twenty-eight OECD countries between 1995 and 2009. Outcomes in the fields of education, health, housing, and safety are related to the amount of public spending. Special attention is paid to the viewpoint of the individual citizen. Observed differences in the productivity and effectiveness of public services logically lead to the question of how they come about. Can countries learn from each other and can they improve their public sector performance by adopting best practices found in other nations?