Testing for a Critical Juncture

This dissertation tests for a critical juncture in Mexican macroeconomic policy in the early 1980s. Path dependence and critical juncture theories constitute the theoretical framework used in this dissertation. Path dependence is useful to explain constant patterns, and it has relied upon the concept of a "critical juncture" to explain radical changes. Critical junctures have been used to explain changes within historical institutionalism, political courses, and policy settings. A three stage critical juncture framework, capable of identifying macroeconomic crisis, ideational change, and policy change, is used by this thesis to test for a critical juncture in Mexican macroeconomic policy. The analysis is focused on the early 1980s when Mexican economy was experiencing severe difficulties, forcing Mexican politicians to reassess extant policies, and examine new means of managing the economy. The research methodology involves, a mixed methods approach, as well as primary and secondary data collection. This dissertation concludes with the identification of a critical juncture in Mexican macroeconomic policy in the early 1980s.