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.
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
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.
Review :
"...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
“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
