Social Policy, Political Economy and the Social Contract
By Jonathan Wistow
Published
Jul 20, 2022Page count
190 pagesISBN
978-1447352617Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Jul 20, 2022Page count
190 pagesISBN
978-1447352600Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Jul 20, 2022Page count
190 pagesISBN
978-1447352631Imprint
Policy PressPublished
Jul 20, 2022Page count
190 pagesISBN
978-1447352631Imprint
Policy Press
Social Policy, Political Economy and the Social Contract
In this challenging and original study, Jonathan Wistow positions social policy within political economy and social contract debates.
Focusing on individual, intergenerational and societal outcomes related to health, place and social mobility in England, he draws on empirical evidence to show how the social contract produces long-standing, highly patterned and inequitable consequences in these areas. Globalisation and the political economy simultaneously contribute to the extent and nature of social problems and to social policy’s capacity to address them effectively.
Applying social contract theory, this book shows that society needs to take ownership of the outcomes it produces and critically interrogates the individualism inherent within the political economy.
“This is an important and timely book. Wistow offers an original analysis of the social contract and its relevance to welfare debates. Essential reading for academics and students in social science disciplines.” Lee Gregory, University of Nottingham
“Going beyond sticking-plaster solutions to economic and social problems, Wistow digs down to the deeper causes by examining social policy in the context of political economy.” Andrew Sayer, Lancaster University
"In this important contribution, Jonathan Wistow shows how solutions to social crises have too often been forged while ignoring their complex structural economic and political roots. Social policy analysis, he argues, needs to be much more closely integrated into the wider question of political economy." Stewart Lansley, Author of The Richer, The Poorer
"This excellent book poses fundamental questions about why, when the demands of the Left seem more possible than ever before, the chances of these demands being realised seem even more distant. An eminently practical manifesto for change but one that can, in his language, achieve ‘phase shifts’ to a qualitatively different future." Tim Blackman, The Open University
“Wistow is at the cutting-edge of theorising the future of public policy. He asks a big, provocative question: How can public policy be redesigned to draw the economy back into the service of society? Wistow suggests we rethink social contract by putting the economy at the service of public policy, and that we do so from a complex systems perspective, which widens our understanding of a just society for all. A must read for anyone involved in making or evaluating policy today.” Brian Castellani, Durham Research Methods Centre
Jonathan Wistow is Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at Durham University.
1. Introduction
2. The political economy
3. Globalisation and devolution
4. Place: uneven geographies and spatial inequalities
5. Health and health inequalities
6. Social mobility
7. The intergenerational contract
8. Conclusion
