Bifoldmodellen

Bifoldmodellen, or the bifold model, is a theoretical framework used to analyze phenomena shaped by two interacting dimensions. The central premise is that outcomes result from the interaction between a normative layer (norms, rules, expectations) and a functional layer (practices, incentives, mechanisms). The folds are interdependent; altering one can create changes in the other, making single-factor explanations insufficient.

Variants of the model emphasize different relations: some treat the folds as symmetric; others as hierarchical or asymmetrical. Operationalization typically involves identifying indicators for each fold and examining their interaction, using methods drawn from both qualitative and quantitative research, including case studies and statistical analysis.

Applications of the bifoldmodellen span multiple disciplines. It has been used to study how formal policy design interacts with informal practices to shape behavior, how organizational culture and governance structures influence outcomes, and how education systems balance curriculum design with classroom norms. In urban planning and public administration, the model helps assess how regulations interact with community norms to affect implementation and results.

Origins and usage: the term appears in Swedish-language scholarship and has been adopted in international debates about dual-structure explanations. The model is presented as a lens to capture complexity that may be missed by single-factor theories, offering a framework for comparing different configurations of the two folds across cases.

Limitations and critique: some scholars warn that the metaphor can oversimplify reality or introduce definitional vagueness about what constitutes each fold. Empirical work requires careful operationalization to ensure that the interaction between folds is interpreted consistently.