1st Edition
The Centre-left and New Right Divide? Political Philosophy and Aspects of UK Social Policy in the Era of the Welfare State
First published in 1998, this volume offers some solutions to the inherent difficulties with moving from philosophical generalities to specific policies, by exploring how a bridge might be built between political philosophy and social policy analysis. In light of these findings, Steven R. Smith evaluates the relationship between the Centre-Left and the New Right, focusing on the way in which concepts of individual autonomy and equality are used by political philosophers and social policy makers. Smith explores post-1945 training, education, social security and community care policy within the United Kingdom.
Part 1. Building a Bridge Between Social Policy and Political Philosophy. 1. Defining Terms and the Different Approaches to Social Policy Analysis. 2. The Political Philosophy Literature. Part 2. Individual Autonomy and Social Policy: Justifications from the Centre-Left and the New Right. 3. Individual Autonomy and Training Policy. 4. Individual Autonomy and Education Policy. 5. Individual Autonomy and Social Security Policy. Part 3. Equality and Social Policy: Justifications from the Centre-Left and the New Right. 6. Equal Opportunity, Training and Education Policy. 7. Equal Citizenship and Social Security Policy. 8. Equality of Resources and Community Care. Part 4. The Centre-Left and the New Right: Consensus of What and Why? – Dealing with Value Conflict. 9. Locating the Consensus and Non-Philosophical Reasons for It. 10. Value Conflict and the Centre-Left and New Right. 11. Concluding Remarks.
