Why do sociological institutionalists study myths and ceremonies in political institutions?

Sociological institutionalists study myths and ceremonies within political institutions because they view these elements as essential components that shape the identities, roles, and perceptions of political actors. Rather than focusing solely on formal rules or rational calculations, this approach emphasizes that institutions are often sustained by their taken-for-granted nature.12

From this perspective, myths and ceremonies serve several key functions:

• Constructing Legitimacy: Sociological institutionalists explain the convergence of governance regimes across different countries—such as the adoption of specific administrative reforms—as a result of the perceived legitimacy of those institutional forms. Adopting these practices often signals that an organization is modern, rational, or appropriate, even if the practices do not necessarily improve technical efficiency.2
• Defining Appropriateness: Actors often adhere to norms because they cannot conceive of alternative actions; they follow established "myths" or standard operating procedures because those actions have become the accepted, taken-for-granted way to respond to crises or political pressures.2
• Shaping Identity: These symbolic schemes provide individuals with identities and roles, influencing how organizations think about issues and conceive of their interests.1

Ultimately, sociological institutionalists argue that these informal, symbolic structures are constitutive of the institutional environment, guiding behavior through a "logic of appropriateness".32