Whose Government Is It?: The Renewal of State-Citizen Cooperation

by Pat Conaty (Contribution by), James Weinberg (Contribution by), Barry Quirk (Contribution by), Hazel Blears (Contribution by), Carol Packham (Contribution by)

Overview

This book brings together leading figures in democratic reform and civic engagement to show why and how better state-citizen cooperation is necessary for achieving positive social change. Their contributions demonstrate that, while protest and non-state action may have their place, citizens must also work effectively with public bodies to secure sustainable improvements. The authors explain why the problem of civic disengagement poses a major threat, highlight what actions can be taken, and suggest how the underlying obstacles to democratic cooperation between citizens and state institutions can be overcome across a range of policy areas and in varied national contexts.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781529200980
Publisher:	Bristol University Press
Publication date:	03/27/2019
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	280
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x (d)

About the Author

Dr Henry B. Tam is a writer, educator, and former policy head for civil renewal under the last Labour Government. He has been Director of the Forum for Youth Participation & Democracy, University of Cambridge; Lecturer on politics and government for Workers’ Educational Association and the Civil Service College; and Visiting Professor, School of Lifelong Learning, Birkbeck, University of London.

Table of Contents

Introduction Government with the People ~ Henry Tam Part One: Why We Need State-Citizen Cooperation Realism and Democratic Renewal ~ Nick Pearce The Importance of Collective Control ~ Anna Coote Deliberative Engagement with Complex Policies ~ Simon Burall The Road to Empowerment ~ Hazel Blears and David Blunkett Part Two: What Is Required for Effective Engagement Lessons From Democratic Innovations ~ Graham Smith The Potential of Community Development ~ Marilyn Taylor Community Action and Civic Dialogue ~ Barry Quirk Old Age and Caring Democracy ~ Marian Barnes Young People and Everyday Democracy ~ James Sloam Part Three: How To Expand Our Civic Capability Improving Citizenship Education ~ James Weinberg and Matthew Flinders Rethinking Civic Roles ~ Jane Roberts Promoting the ‘Take Part’ Approach ~ Marjorie Mayo, Zoraida Mendiwelso-Bendek and Carol Packham Developing Public-Cooperative Partnerships ~ Pat Conaty Conclusion The Renewal of State-Citizen Cooperation ~ Henry Tam

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“At a time of rising authoritarianism and shrinking public spheres, it is instructive and inspiring to read a whole compendium of essays by scholars, practitioners and policymakers who are committed to cooperation between state and citizens. Whose Government Is It? is packed with insights for citizens and officials alike.” Peter Levine, Tufts University

Editorial Reviews

"...a substantial, go-to text for those who are studying or are interested in political science. It is a complex book, full of facts, analysis and case studies... And while the whole premise of the book may appear to be a somewhat idealistic form of democracy, with plenty of examples and case studies of how cooperation between state and citizen has been highly beneficial, it serves to demonstrate that such a goal can be achieved." Shout Out UK

19th March 2019 Shout Out UK