Ebook: Promoting Participation : Law or Politics?

The working of the modern market and the state has led to widespread social exclusion. As a result of this problem, recent proposals concerning a 'third way' of organising the provision of goods and services have been suggested. These proposals are defective, largely because of a lack of an informed understanding of the concrete legal, economic and political institutions they require. This understanding must be developed to turn the third way from an abstract idea into a workable plan for expanding citizens' participation in the governance of their lives. In this book, experts from economics, law, social policy and related fields indicate just what governmental, charitable and private bodies would be necessary to promote participation. The general constitutional framework of rights in which those bodies might see their efforts meet with success are discussed. Drawing on the work of those with a real knowledge of their fields, this book engages with the theoretical issues, but also brings a welcome concreteness to a political debate which, though vital, is often conducted at a purely abstract level.