Do international organizations influence domestic policy outcomes in OECD countries?

Abstract

This chapter examines to what extent policy ideas and norms promoted at the transnational and international level around gender and family policy are influential at the domestic policy level in OECD countries. Existing research demonstrates a mixed record in terms of transnational and international non-state actors' influence on domestic policy in the Global North. This chapter argues that international norms are diffusing to domestic policy actors and processes rather unevenly. While international organizations (IOs) and transnational advocates can facilitate the spread of ideas of best practices around gender equality in general and family policy in particular, for liberal welfare states (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, USA), IOs are still less authoritative than the national level when it comes to on-the-ground policymaking.