The Inclusive Society? : Social Exclusion and New Labour - Softcover

Ruth Levitas

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0333730879 ISBN 13: 9780333730874

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan, 1998

Synopsis

A topical critical examination of the idea of social exclusion and the new political language of social cohesion, community, stakeholding and inclusion. The author examines the actions and rhetoric of the Labour Party and Labour Government under Tony Blair's leadership, and identifies three different discourses of social exclusion. Using this model, she explores views of inclusion put forward by Will Hutton and other stakeholders, by communitarians including Etzioni and Gray, and by the Labour Party from the Borrie and the Commission on Social Justice, to Blair and the Social Exclusion Unit. This work is intended for departments of politics (courses in British politics, social policy, comparative politics and political theory), sociology (courses in inequality and poverty), a more general political readership on social policy and politics of social exclusion and poverty, and politics of the Left among policymakers, think-tanks, pressure groups, and so on.

About this title

About the Author:

Ruth Levitas is Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Bristol.

Review:

Praise for the First edition:

'This is a stunningly effective critique of some of New Labour's flannel. Ruth Levitas has provided a cool, analytical dissection of the subtle changes in approach towards poverty and social exclusion appearing in various influential documents of the 1990s...this book should make both politicians and sociologists squirm.' - Ray Pahl, The Sociological Review

'...this is a really good book - clear coherent, and plainly and intelligibly written.' - David Byrne, Work, Employment and Society

'This incisive and very readable account of the New Labour discourse and politics of social exclusion is both topical and thought-provoking. It reminds us that the cosy language of community, stakeholding and social inclusion can serve to obscure inequalities and fundamental conflicts of interest. It should be read not just by all those interested in the New Labour 'project' but, even more importantly, by those conducting it.' - Ruth Lister, Professor of Social Policy, Department of Social Sciences, Loughborough University

Endorsments for this edition:

'This is a provocative work that deserves to be read by a wide audience, including undergraduate and postgraduate students of politics, sociology and social policy, together with those seeking a sophisticated analysis of the New Labour project.' - Paul Higate, University of York

About this edition

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0333730879
• ISBN 13: 9780333730874
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 240