Social institutionality is understood to be the whole set of rules, resources and organizational structures that manage social policy, from goal analysis and prioritization through to implementation and result evaluation.

The quality of the institutional framework of social policy is critical to realizing the goals of equality and social well-being. Social policy design and implementation are more likely to have a positive impact of they work within the activities of the appropriate institutions.

There are four dimensions to social policy institutionalization: the normative legal framework underpinning social actions, the organizational characteristics of bodies responsible for coordinating and executing such actions, their technical and operational management features, and social policy funding.

In order for social institutionality to advance, an understanding of the content and administrative dynamics of a country’s institutionality is necessary, and for that an examination of the interaction between social institutionality, structural factors and actors is essential.

Among the various characteristics required of a solid and effective institutionality, two are of pivotal importance. The first consists of clear and transparent rules and regulations for achieving an efficient institutionality that minimizes its use and appropriation by private or political interests. The second emphasizes the organizational structure from which social policy is managed.