What is regulation? An interdisciplinary concept analysis

TLDR

Regulation is often poorly defined, and recent developments prompt reevaluation of this uncertainty. The study uses a novel methodological approach to examine how regulation is conceptualized across six social science disciplines. The authors analyze the most cited articles in these disciplines to assess conceptualization of regulation. The analysis reveals that regulation lacks explicit definitions, has a broad scope, is characterized by intentional, direct interventions by public actors, and is understood similarly across disciplines.

Abstract

Abstract The concept of regulation is believed to suffer from a lack of shared understanding. Yet the maturation of the field raises the question whether this conclusion is still valid. By taking a new methodological approach toward this question of conceptual consolidation, this study assesses how regulation is conceived in the most cited articles in six social science disciplines. Four main conclusions are drawn. First, there is a remarkable absence of explicit definitions. Second, the scope of the concept is vast, which requires us to talk about regulation in rather abstract terms. Third, scholars largely agree that “prototype regulation” is characterized by interventions that are intentional and direct – involving binding standard‐setting, monitoring, and sanctioning – and exercised by public‐sector actors on the economic activities of private‐sector actors. Fourth, while there is considerable variation in research concerns, this variation cannot be attributed to disciplinary differences. Instead, our findings support the portrayal of the field as interdisciplinary, including a shared conception of regulation.