Keyword

Axes

Upper Left Quadrant Details Upper Right Quadrant Details Lower Left Quadrant Details Lower Right Quadrant Details Details

Quadrants

Outline

This matrix is an attempt to translate, as closely as possible, Lowi’s policy arenas into our list of entries.
On the vertical axis, the distinction is between policies aiming at regulating conduct and policies aiming at providing - or redistributing - benefits. Acting upon individuals or through the collective environment of conduct (horizontal axis).
The upper left quadrant is the distributive arena, with benefits granted to individuals on a patronage basis, in exchange of consensus. In the lower left, regulatory arena, policies impose law and order upon individuals, mostly according to moral standards. In the upper right quadrant, the redistributive arena works through large scale policy interventions aimed at reforming the balance of power - and wealth - to increase state legitimacy. The lower right quadrant is the constituent arena, where the rules of the game are defined.