Policy Press

Whose Government Is It?

The Renewal of State-Citizen Cooperation

Edited by Henry Tam

Published

Feb 27, 2019

Page count

280 pages

ISBN

978-1529200935

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Feb 27, 2019

Page count

280 pages

ISBN

978-1529200980

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Feb 27, 2019

Page count

280 pages

ISBN

978-1529200959

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Feb 27, 2019

Page count

280 pages

ISBN

978-1529200966

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Whose Government Is It?

Read the policy briefing.

In the media

On our blog: 'The subversion of democracy'

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.

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.

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

Related Titles