concepts
Mechanisms, as used in the social sciences, are analytical constructs that tell in detail how the two components of an explanation are related— that is, how the explanans produces the explanandum. Social mechanisms are particularly suitable to address power-related phenomena due to their interdisciplinary nature, their ability to connect macro and micro phenomena, and their acknowledgment that purposive actors (not variables) have the starring roles in politics. [Source: Encyclopedia of Power; Mechanisms]
power and methodological issues
mechanisms