The big society: Rediscovery of ‘the social’ or rhetorical fig-leaf for neo-liberalism?

an article by Steve Corbett and Alan Walker (University of Sheffield, UK) published in Critical Social Policy Volume 33 Number 3 (August 2013)

Abstract

This paper subjects to critical scrutiny the idea of the ‘big society’ which, at present, is the UK Coalition government’s big idea and the personal mission of the Prime Minister David Cameron.

First of all the concept is explained, with reference to some of the rhetoric surrounding it. Then the philosophical foundations of the ‘big society’ are unpacked, with particular reference to Red Toryism and libertarian paternalism. This is followed by an assessment of the big society and reference to the other major plank in the government’s social policy agenda, large cuts in public expenditure, that reflects the neo-liberal engine driving the strategy – the hollowing-out of the state – which has implications for the community initiatives and NGOs favoured by the big society’s promoters but which are entirely unacknowledged by them.

Then a comparison is made between the present big society idea and Margaret Thatcher’s denial of the existence of society, which reveals many similarities in substance despite the rhetorical distancing. The final part of the paper examines the parallel Blue Labour analysis and suggests an alternative participatory democratic approach.

---

New Labour, communitarianism and citizenship education in England and Wales

an article by Andrew Dunn (University of the West of Scotland) and Diana Burton (Liverpool John Moores University) published in Education, Citizenship and Social Justice Volume 6 Number 2 (July 2011)

Abstract

This article posits a connection between the influence of communitarianism on New Labour’s ideology and the content of citizenship education in England and Wales. We first describe and problematise communitarianism, drawing on both UK and US thinkers, and then relate our findings to literature on citizenship education. We conclude by suggesting that the influence of communitarianism could be researched with teachers of citizenship to illuminate the extent of its practical manifestation.

---