Search Result

Srl

Item

ID: 117485

Big society: back to the future / Corbett, Steve; Walker, Alan

Corbett, Steve	Journal Article
	0 Rating(s) & 0 Review(s)

Publication

2012.

Summary/Abstract

This article contributes to the steady flow of critiques of the big society idea contained in The Political Quarterly. It focuses chiefly on two sets of parallels. The first is between the big society and the policies pursued by the Thatcher government which, despite their obvious rhetorical differences, contain many striking similarities, including their neoliberal origins, application of the 'crowding out' thesis and uncritically idealised notions of community. The second is between the big society and a policy with the same name pursued doggedly by the Chinese Communist Party for nearly 20 years until being abandoned as a failure. Lessons for the Prime Minister's flagship policy are drawn from the Chinese experience. The article concludes with a welcome for the rediscovery of the social by public policy and some suggestions as to how a more participative and democratic state could follow from this breakthrough.

Key Words

Welfare State ; Neoliberalism ; Thatcherism ; Big Society ; Crowding Out ; Red Toryism

In Basket

Export

ID: 118237

New Ageism / Walker, Alan

Walker, Alan	Journal Article
	0 Rating(s) & 0 Review(s)

Publication

2012.

Summary/Abstract

This article takes issue with the apparently entrenched political narrative about ageing and older people which is routinely expressed in both ministerial rhetoric and media headlines warning of the 'burden' of dependency and intergenerational strife. It argues that this narrative is rooted in the potent combination of ageism and neoliberalism and is being ramped-up by the Coalition Government's austerity fixation. The social and political risks of this omnipresent narrative are discussed as is the persistence of the case that generational conflict is inevitable, in both the UK and US, despite the complete absence of any evidence supporting it. The article finishes by urging action to alter the course of both individual and societal ageing and so avoid future spending demands as well as improving the quality of life of current and future generations of older people.

Key Words

Neoliberalism ; Austerity ; Ageism ; Generational Conflict ; Active Ageing ; Grey Power

In Basket

Export