The American Association for Labor Legislation: An Episode in Institutionalist Policy Analysis

Abstract

Largely because of Andrews, the intellectual history of a remarkable organization, the American Association for Labor Legislation (AALL), came to reflect in a unique way the origins, the significance and the fortunes of this radical revolution of ideas. The impact of Andrews and of the AALL on the American welfare state has long been recognized [Asher 1988]; but the vision that inspired it all remains misunderstood and unappreciated.' The need to better understand and appreciate that vision adds to the significance of the events that identified the life of John Andrews with that of the AALL.