Anthony Bertelli and Peter John
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199663972
- eISBN:
- 9780191755996
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199663972.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This book addresses one of the enduring questions of democratic government: why do governments choose some public policies but not others? Political executives focus on a range of policy issues, such ...
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This book addresses one of the enduring questions of democratic government: why do governments choose some public policies but not others? Political executives focus on a range of policy issues, such as the economy, social policy, and foreign policy, but they shift their priorities over time. Despite an extensive literature, it has proven surprisingly hard to explain policy prioritization. To remedy this gap, we offer a new approach called public policy investment: governments enhance their chances of getting re-elected by managing a portfolio of public policies and paying attention to the risks involved. In this way, government is like an investor making choices about risk to yield returns on its investments of political capital. The public provides signals about expected political capital returns for government policies, or policy assets, that can be captured through expressed opinion in public polls. Governments can anticipate these signals in the choices they make. Statecraft is the ability political leaders have to consider risk and return in their policy portfolios and do so amidst uncertainty in the public’s policy valuation. Such actions represent the public’s views conditionally because not every opinion change is a price signal. It then outlines a quantitative method for measuring risk and return, applying it to the case of Britain between 1971–2000 and offer case studies illustrating statecraft by prime ministers, such as Edward Heath or Margaret Thatcher. The book challenges comparative scholars to apply public policy investment to countries that have separation of powers, multiparty government, and decentralization.Less
This book addresses one of the enduring questions of democratic government: why do governments choose some public policies but not others? Political executives focus on a range of policy issues, such as the economy, social policy, and foreign policy, but they shift their priorities over time. Despite an extensive literature, it has proven surprisingly hard to explain policy prioritization. To remedy this gap, we offer a new approach called public policy investment: governments enhance their chances of getting re-elected by managing a portfolio of public policies and paying attention to the risks involved. In this way, government is like an investor making choices about risk to yield returns on its investments of political capital. The public provides signals about expected political capital returns for government policies, or policy assets, that can be captured through expressed opinion in public polls. Governments can anticipate these signals in the choices they make. Statecraft is the ability political leaders have to consider risk and return in their policy portfolios and do so amidst uncertainty in the public’s policy valuation. Such actions represent the public’s views conditionally because not every opinion change is a price signal. It then outlines a quantitative method for measuring risk and return, applying it to the case of Britain between 1971–2000 and offer case studies illustrating statecraft by prime ministers, such as Edward Heath or Margaret Thatcher. The book challenges comparative scholars to apply public policy investment to countries that have separation of powers, multiparty government, and decentralization.
Lawrence Aber, Linda Biersteker, Andrew Dawes, and Laura Rawlings
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199922994
- eISBN:
- 9780199980420
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199922994.003.0013
- Subject:
- Psychology, Developmental Psychology
In most countries, the social protection and welfare system is directly responsible for addressing issues of destitution, poverty, and risk management. Currently, an undesirable gap exists between ...
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In most countries, the social protection and welfare system is directly responsible for addressing issues of destitution, poverty, and risk management. Currently, an undesirable gap exists between traditional policies in social protection and the need to make specific provision for early childhood. This chapter helps close this gap, hoping to enhance the interest and ability of social protection systems to effectively address serious constraints on early childhood development (ECD) caused by long-term poverty, income instability, and adverse shocks. Specifically, the chapter describes the recent history and multiple functions of social protection and explains their importance to ECD; identifies critical challenges to and promising practices in closing the gap between social protection and ECD; and analyzes and discusses key issues requiring new research initiatives (research agenda) and/or immediate cross-system collaboration (policy agenda) to advance the capacity of social protection systems to protect and promote ECD.Less
In most countries, the social protection and welfare system is directly responsible for addressing issues of destitution, poverty, and risk management. Currently, an undesirable gap exists between traditional policies in social protection and the need to make specific provision for early childhood. This chapter helps close this gap, hoping to enhance the interest and ability of social protection systems to effectively address serious constraints on early childhood development (ECD) caused by long-term poverty, income instability, and adverse shocks. Specifically, the chapter describes the recent history and multiple functions of social protection and explains their importance to ECD; identifies critical challenges to and promising practices in closing the gap between social protection and ECD; and analyzes and discusses key issues requiring new research initiatives (research agenda) and/or immediate cross-system collaboration (policy agenda) to advance the capacity of social protection systems to protect and promote ECD.
Lucinda Platt
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781861345837
- eISBN:
- 9781447302117
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781861345837.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Marriage and the Family
Child poverty is currently regarded by many as the ‘number one’ issue in Britain. Yet it has not always been so high on the policy agenda. What were attitudes to poor children 200 years ago? How did ...
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Child poverty is currently regarded by many as the ‘number one’ issue in Britain. Yet it has not always been so high on the policy agenda. What were attitudes to poor children 200 years ago? How did child poverty emerge as both a quantifiable and urgent issue? And how did policy makers respond? These are the questions that this book tackles. The book presents a broad but sophisticated overview of 200 years of investigation into and responses to the plight of poor children. It identifies key moments and figures of the period, and includes chapters on children and work, education, and child poverty research to provide the essential context for the story of the ‘discovery’ of child poverty. Clearly and accessibly written, this book provides a concise but richly detailed account of the subject. It will appeal to policy makers, practitioners, researchers, and all those with an interest in child poverty wishing to understand the antecedents of current research and policy.Less
Child poverty is currently regarded by many as the ‘number one’ issue in Britain. Yet it has not always been so high on the policy agenda. What were attitudes to poor children 200 years ago? How did child poverty emerge as both a quantifiable and urgent issue? And how did policy makers respond? These are the questions that this book tackles. The book presents a broad but sophisticated overview of 200 years of investigation into and responses to the plight of poor children. It identifies key moments and figures of the period, and includes chapters on children and work, education, and child poverty research to provide the essential context for the story of the ‘discovery’ of child poverty. Clearly and accessibly written, this book provides a concise but richly detailed account of the subject. It will appeal to policy makers, practitioners, researchers, and all those with an interest in child poverty wishing to understand the antecedents of current research and policy.
Stephen Syrett and David North
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781861348623
- eISBN:
- 9781447303213
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781861348623.003.0012
- Subject:
- Sociology, Urban and Rural Studies
This book addresses the economic development issues central to neighbourhood renewal. It analyses the economic nature of the problems of deprived neighbourhoods and the policy responses that have ...
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This book addresses the economic development issues central to neighbourhood renewal. It analyses the economic nature of the problems of deprived neighbourhoods and the policy responses that have developed in response to this within Britain. The analysis centres upon understanding contemporary economic change and the post-1997 period of the New Labour government, but it is also placed within a wider context of longer-term processes of economic restructuring and a history of policy intervention that dates back for well over 40 years. The book focuses on three elements that have dominated policy development and implementation in relation to tackling concentrated deprivation in recent years, i.e., work, enterprise and governance. The other major aspect that is associated with economic development of deprived areas — the physical redevelopment of such areas — is considered in relation to the wider policy agenda and the issues of work, enterprise and governance, but is not pursued as a separate theme.Less
This book addresses the economic development issues central to neighbourhood renewal. It analyses the economic nature of the problems of deprived neighbourhoods and the policy responses that have developed in response to this within Britain. The analysis centres upon understanding contemporary economic change and the post-1997 period of the New Labour government, but it is also placed within a wider context of longer-term processes of economic restructuring and a history of policy intervention that dates back for well over 40 years. The book focuses on three elements that have dominated policy development and implementation in relation to tackling concentrated deprivation in recent years, i.e., work, enterprise and governance. The other major aspect that is associated with economic development of deprived areas — the physical redevelopment of such areas — is considered in relation to the wider policy agenda and the issues of work, enterprise and governance, but is not pursued as a separate theme.
John Kemm, Jayne Parry, and Stephen Palmer
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780198526292
- eISBN:
- 9780191723889
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198526292.003.0033
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
This chapter looks at how health impact assessment (HIA) has been applied to agricultural and food policies internationally and discusses whether it is a useful tool for raising broader public health ...
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This chapter looks at how health impact assessment (HIA) has been applied to agricultural and food policies internationally and discusses whether it is a useful tool for raising broader public health issues on the agricultural and food policy agenda. It briefly reviews the different approaches that have been used, and draws some conclusions about the strengths and weaknesses of each for improving health considerations in this policy sector.Less
This chapter looks at how health impact assessment (HIA) has been applied to agricultural and food policies internationally and discusses whether it is a useful tool for raising broader public health issues on the agricultural and food policy agenda. It briefly reviews the different approaches that have been used, and draws some conclusions about the strengths and weaknesses of each for improving health considerations in this policy sector.
Michael Storper, Thomas Kemeny, Naji Philip Makarem, and Taner Osman
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780804789400
- eISBN:
- 9780804796026
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Stanford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.11126/stanford/9780804789400.003.0010
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Innovation
High-wage specialization comes from a complex sequence involving entrepreneurship, encouragement by local robust actors or leaders, breakthrough innovations, new organizational practices, the ...
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High-wage specialization comes from a complex sequence involving entrepreneurship, encouragement by local robust actors or leaders, breakthrough innovations, new organizational practices, the emergence of supportive overall relational infrastructure and networks, the proliferation of new specialized brokers and dealmakers, the diffusion of conventions or rules of thumb for doing business in new ways, and ultimately the consolidation of major firms. What is common to all processes of successful respecialization of a region’s economy is the emergence of the right kinds of networks, organizational practices, worldviews, and beliefs for the region’s evolving economic specializations. It is crucial to align understandings and change expectations so as to change policy agendas and to open up new forms of private action. When regional conversations are outdated, the process of organizational adjustment is stymied, as it has been in Los Angeles for 40 years. Old conversations must not crowd out new ones.Less
High-wage specialization comes from a complex sequence involving entrepreneurship, encouragement by local robust actors or leaders, breakthrough innovations, new organizational practices, the emergence of supportive overall relational infrastructure and networks, the proliferation of new specialized brokers and dealmakers, the diffusion of conventions or rules of thumb for doing business in new ways, and ultimately the consolidation of major firms. What is common to all processes of successful respecialization of a region’s economy is the emergence of the right kinds of networks, organizational practices, worldviews, and beliefs for the region’s evolving economic specializations. It is crucial to align understandings and change expectations so as to change policy agendas and to open up new forms of private action. When regional conversations are outdated, the process of organizational adjustment is stymied, as it has been in Los Angeles for 40 years. Old conversations must not crowd out new ones.
Elizabeth Dowler and Nick J. Spencer (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781861348999
- eISBN:
- 9781447301646
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781861348999.001.0001
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health
This book offers a unique multi-disciplinary perspective on tackling health inequalities in a rich country, examining the New Labour policy agenda for tackling health inequalities and its inherent ...
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This book offers a unique multi-disciplinary perspective on tackling health inequalities in a rich country, examining the New Labour policy agenda for tackling health inequalities and its inherent challenges. The book presents an overview of progress since the publication of the seminal and ambitious 1998 Acheson Inquiry into health inequalities, and the theoretical and methodological issues underpinning health inequalities. The chapters consider the determinants of inequality — for example, early childhood experience and ethnicity — the factors that mediate the relationship between determinants and health — nutrition, housing and health behaviour — and the sectoral policy interventions in user involvement, local area partnership working and social work. This book offers a combination of broad analysis of progress from differing perspectives.Less
This book offers a unique multi-disciplinary perspective on tackling health inequalities in a rich country, examining the New Labour policy agenda for tackling health inequalities and its inherent challenges. The book presents an overview of progress since the publication of the seminal and ambitious 1998 Acheson Inquiry into health inequalities, and the theoretical and methodological issues underpinning health inequalities. The chapters consider the determinants of inequality — for example, early childhood experience and ethnicity — the factors that mediate the relationship between determinants and health — nutrition, housing and health behaviour — and the sectoral policy interventions in user involvement, local area partnership working and social work. This book offers a combination of broad analysis of progress from differing perspectives.
Valerie Bryson
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781861347503
- eISBN:
- 9781447302391
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781861347503.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gender and Sexuality
Women's increased role in the labour market has combined with concerns about the damaging effects of long working hours to push time-related issues up the policy agenda in many Western nations. This ...
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Women's increased role in the labour market has combined with concerns about the damaging effects of long working hours to push time-related issues up the policy agenda in many Western nations. This book assesses policy alternatives in the light of feminist theory and factual evidence. It introduces mainstream ideas on the nature and political significance of time and re-frames them from a feminist perspective to provide a critical overview of policies in Western welfare states. Themes covered include gender differences in time use and the impact of ‘time poverty’ on women's citizenship; the need to value time spent giving and receiving care; the social meanings of time and whether we can talk about ‘women's time’ and ‘men's time’; and the role of the past in framing policy options today.Less
Women's increased role in the labour market has combined with concerns about the damaging effects of long working hours to push time-related issues up the policy agenda in many Western nations. This book assesses policy alternatives in the light of feminist theory and factual evidence. It introduces mainstream ideas on the nature and political significance of time and re-frames them from a feminist perspective to provide a critical overview of policies in Western welfare states. Themes covered include gender differences in time use and the impact of ‘time poverty’ on women's citizenship; the need to value time spent giving and receiving care; the social meanings of time and whether we can talk about ‘women's time’ and ‘men's time’; and the role of the past in framing policy options today.
Peter Ratcliffe
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847426956
- eISBN:
- 9781447303084
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847426956.003.0002
- Subject:
- Sociology, Urban and Rural Studies
This chapter first traces the historical and ideological backdrop to the emergence of cohesion policies. It then describes the concept of ‘community cohesion’ and the development of the associated ...
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This chapter first traces the historical and ideological backdrop to the emergence of cohesion policies. It then describes the concept of ‘community cohesion’ and the development of the associated policies and practices. The narrative then shifts to the relationship between the latter phenomena and the rapidly evolving equalities agenda. It is noted that the focus on ‘community cohesion’ is misplaced, and that policies should be driven by the much more fundamental notion of ‘social cohesion’. The earlier assessment of the social-capital approach casts considerable doubt on its efficacy. The vision of a future where ‘similar life opportunities’ are the norm is part of a much more extensive policy agenda. It appears that in social-policy circles, those at the helm find it difficult to resist the temptation to recycle earlier approaches.Less
This chapter first traces the historical and ideological backdrop to the emergence of cohesion policies. It then describes the concept of ‘community cohesion’ and the development of the associated policies and practices. The narrative then shifts to the relationship between the latter phenomena and the rapidly evolving equalities agenda. It is noted that the focus on ‘community cohesion’ is misplaced, and that policies should be driven by the much more fundamental notion of ‘social cohesion’. The earlier assessment of the social-capital approach casts considerable doubt on its efficacy. The vision of a future where ‘similar life opportunities’ are the norm is part of a much more extensive policy agenda. It appears that in social-policy circles, those at the helm find it difficult to resist the temptation to recycle earlier approaches.
Gerald McKenny
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199582679
- eISBN:
- 9780191722981
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199582679.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Theology
Karl Barth believes that not only our righteousness before God (justification) but also our goodness or holiness (sanctification) is accomplished by the work of God's grace in Jesus Christ. But if ...
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Karl Barth believes that not only our righteousness before God (justification) but also our goodness or holiness (sanctification) is accomplished by the work of God's grace in Jesus Christ. But if this is so, what is the nature and role of ethics? This book argues that Barth's moral theology attempts to answer this question, showing how both the development of his ethical thought and its central concepts are best understood from this perspective. The result is a comprehensive treatment of Barth's moral theology which also explores the rich, complex, and often surprising engagements of his position with traditional Christian ethics and modern moral thought.Less
Karl Barth believes that not only our righteousness before God (justification) but also our goodness or holiness (sanctification) is accomplished by the work of God's grace in Jesus Christ. But if this is so, what is the nature and role of ethics? This book argues that Barth's moral theology attempts to answer this question, showing how both the development of his ethical thought and its central concepts are best understood from this perspective. The result is a comprehensive treatment of Barth's moral theology which also explores the rich, complex, and often surprising engagements of his position with traditional Christian ethics and modern moral thought.
Mike Raco
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781861347442
- eISBN:
- 9781447301585
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781861347442.003.0007
- Subject:
- Sociology, Urban and Rural Studies
This chapter looks at the form and character of the shift to sustainable community building through an assessment of the relationships between employment, labour-market building, and (sustainable) ...
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This chapter looks at the form and character of the shift to sustainable community building through an assessment of the relationships between employment, labour-market building, and (sustainable) spatial communities. It evaluates the differences between these policy agendas and those of the post-war period that were outlined in Chapters Three and Four, and documents the ways the sustainable community has become the primary policy vehicle that delivers and implements its wider agendas. The chapter also presents an argument which states that the new agendas are premised on particular conceptions of (im)mobility and the relationships between place, employment, and community building.Less
This chapter looks at the form and character of the shift to sustainable community building through an assessment of the relationships between employment, labour-market building, and (sustainable) spatial communities. It evaluates the differences between these policy agendas and those of the post-war period that were outlined in Chapters Three and Four, and documents the ways the sustainable community has become the primary policy vehicle that delivers and implements its wider agendas. The chapter also presents an argument which states that the new agendas are premised on particular conceptions of (im)mobility and the relationships between place, employment, and community building.
Stephen Syrett and David North
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781861348623
- eISBN:
- 9781447303213
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781861348623.003.0017
- Subject:
- Sociology, Urban and Rural Studies
This chapter presents the possibilities and limitations of current policy approaches to improving the economic conditions that currently exist within deprived neighbourhoods. It focuses on the three ...
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This chapter presents the possibilities and limitations of current policy approaches to improving the economic conditions that currently exist within deprived neighbourhoods. It focuses on the three key elements apparent in policy, i.e., work, enterprise and improved governance. In seeking to understand and respond to the economic needs of deprived neighbourhoods, place matters. Spatial differences present different economic challenges and require different mixes of interventions tailored and delivered to meet local needs. The New Labour governments have shown a commitment to placing the issue of localised deprivation at the centre of their policy agenda. However, the resulting impact on improving the economic life of deprived communities and the people who live within them has been hampered both by the wider discourses that have informed policy development and the practical problems of developing integrated delivery mechanisms. Any future development of the policy context needs to be informed by the basic issues discussed in this chapter.Less
This chapter presents the possibilities and limitations of current policy approaches to improving the economic conditions that currently exist within deprived neighbourhoods. It focuses on the three key elements apparent in policy, i.e., work, enterprise and improved governance. In seeking to understand and respond to the economic needs of deprived neighbourhoods, place matters. Spatial differences present different economic challenges and require different mixes of interventions tailored and delivered to meet local needs. The New Labour governments have shown a commitment to placing the issue of localised deprivation at the centre of their policy agenda. However, the resulting impact on improving the economic life of deprived communities and the people who live within them has been hampered both by the wider discourses that have informed policy development and the practical problems of developing integrated delivery mechanisms. Any future development of the policy context needs to be informed by the basic issues discussed in this chapter.
Michael Storper, Thomas Kemeny, Naji Philip Makarem, and Taner Osman
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780804789400
- eISBN:
- 9780804796026
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Stanford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.11126/stanford/9780804789400.003.0007
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Innovation
Dominant beliefs—those of political and economic entrepreneurs in a position to make policies—over time result in the accretion of an elaborate structure of institutions that determine economic and ...
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Dominant beliefs—those of political and economic entrepreneurs in a position to make policies—over time result in the accretion of an elaborate structure of institutions that determine economic and political performance. This chapter documents the worldviews and beliefs of regional leaders in the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater Los Angeles since 1970. In Los Angeles, leaders never developed a consistent vision of the new economy or the region’s role in it; in San Francisco, this vision emerged early in the 1980s and was reinforced over time and diffused throughout the region’s leadership institutions. Moreover, San Francisco’s leadership institutions are stronger and more interconnected than those of Greater Los Angeles, and its political majorities are more consistent over time, leading to more consistent regional policy agendas.Less
Dominant beliefs—those of political and economic entrepreneurs in a position to make policies—over time result in the accretion of an elaborate structure of institutions that determine economic and political performance. This chapter documents the worldviews and beliefs of regional leaders in the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater Los Angeles since 1970. In Los Angeles, leaders never developed a consistent vision of the new economy or the region’s role in it; in San Francisco, this vision emerged early in the 1980s and was reinforced over time and diffused throughout the region’s leadership institutions. Moreover, San Francisco’s leadership institutions are stronger and more interconnected than those of Greater Los Angeles, and its political majorities are more consistent over time, leading to more consistent regional policy agendas.
Juho Saari and Kari Välimäki
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847420206
- eISBN:
- 9781447303794
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847420206.003.0014
- Subject:
- Sociology, Comparative and Historical Sociology
European social policy has evolved significantly since the late 1980s, when the idea of a social dimension to the EU emerged onto European policy agendas. By the turn of the early 1990s, the common ...
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European social policy has evolved significantly since the late 1980s, when the idea of a social dimension to the EU emerged onto European policy agendas. By the turn of the early 1990s, the common points of departure were the concepts of subsidiarity and proportionality, both of which underlined the limited competence of the European level to proceed in this field. Today, following the introduction of the Lisbon Strategy and the open method of coordination (OMC), attention has been focused on the social aspects of European integration at the European level. This chapter discusses and clarifies the key issues debated in the previous chapters and aims to draw together some policy conclusions. It begins by discussing the European social model concept, and assesses its potential usefulness in European social policy debates, identifying at least ten of its dimensions. The chapter ends with policy conclusions on the question of whether there is a need for new balance in social policy between the Member States and the EU.Less
European social policy has evolved significantly since the late 1980s, when the idea of a social dimension to the EU emerged onto European policy agendas. By the turn of the early 1990s, the common points of departure were the concepts of subsidiarity and proportionality, both of which underlined the limited competence of the European level to proceed in this field. Today, following the introduction of the Lisbon Strategy and the open method of coordination (OMC), attention has been focused on the social aspects of European integration at the European level. This chapter discusses and clarifies the key issues debated in the previous chapters and aims to draw together some policy conclusions. It begins by discussing the European social model concept, and assesses its potential usefulness in European social policy debates, identifying at least ten of its dimensions. The chapter ends with policy conclusions on the question of whether there is a need for new balance in social policy between the Member States and the EU.
Scott James
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- July 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780719085123
- eISBN:
- 9781781702635
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719085123.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
As two of the longest-serving prime ministers in Europe, Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern were in power during one of the most tumultuous periods of European integration. This book offers an insight into ...
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As two of the longest-serving prime ministers in Europe, Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern were in power during one of the most tumultuous periods of European integration. This book offers an insight into how they responded to the demands and opportunities of European Union (EU) membership at the national level. Drawing on extensive interviews with key figures, it explores how the two leaders sought to radically reshape the EU national policy-making process in the UK and Ireland in order to further their strategic policy agendas. The book therefore asks three key questions. How did the national EU policy process change between 1997 and 2007? To what extent did the UK and Irish policy processes converge or diverge? Did the reforms enhance the projection of national policy? These empirical and comparative questions are related to broader theoretical and conceptual debates concerning Europeanisation. By employing conceptual and analytical frameworks, the book considers what these reforms tell us about the nature of the ‘EU effect’ in different member states. Do governments simply adjust to EU-level pressures for change or try to adapt strategically in order to maximise their influence? Are the changes attributable to political agency or do they derive from longer-term structural developments in Brussels?Less
As two of the longest-serving prime ministers in Europe, Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern were in power during one of the most tumultuous periods of European integration. This book offers an insight into how they responded to the demands and opportunities of European Union (EU) membership at the national level. Drawing on extensive interviews with key figures, it explores how the two leaders sought to radically reshape the EU national policy-making process in the UK and Ireland in order to further their strategic policy agendas. The book therefore asks three key questions. How did the national EU policy process change between 1997 and 2007? To what extent did the UK and Irish policy processes converge or diverge? Did the reforms enhance the projection of national policy? These empirical and comparative questions are related to broader theoretical and conceptual debates concerning Europeanisation. By employing conceptual and analytical frameworks, the book considers what these reforms tell us about the nature of the ‘EU effect’ in different member states. Do governments simply adjust to EU-level pressures for change or try to adapt strategically in order to maximise their influence? Are the changes attributable to political agency or do they derive from longer-term structural developments in Brussels?
Daniel J. Fiorino
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- December 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780190605803
- eISBN:
- 9780190860318
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190605803.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics, Environmental Politics
The concept of green growth offers both a means of reframing ecology–economy relationships and defining an agenda for change. This chapter sets out the framework for a green growth policy agenda. ...
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The concept of green growth offers both a means of reframing ecology–economy relationships and defining an agenda for change. This chapter sets out the framework for a green growth policy agenda. This agenda builds upon existing strategies and tools, such as use of mandatory technology or performance standards, but also is distinctive in expanding the scope of policymaking, emphasizing ecology–economy positive-sums, looking beyond ecological to other policy sectors, granting critical ecosystems principled priority in decisions, and incorporating social costs. As for tools, the green growth agenda relies heavily on market-like mechanisms such as pollution taxes or trading, on methods for valuing ecosystems services, and on reorienting investment strategies for green sectors and goals. In sum, there exists a rich and varied green growth policy agenda that may support a transition toward green growth.Less
The concept of green growth offers both a means of reframing ecology–economy relationships and defining an agenda for change. This chapter sets out the framework for a green growth policy agenda. This agenda builds upon existing strategies and tools, such as use of mandatory technology or performance standards, but also is distinctive in expanding the scope of policymaking, emphasizing ecology–economy positive-sums, looking beyond ecological to other policy sectors, granting critical ecosystems principled priority in decisions, and incorporating social costs. As for tools, the green growth agenda relies heavily on market-like mechanisms such as pollution taxes or trading, on methods for valuing ecosystems services, and on reorienting investment strategies for green sectors and goals. In sum, there exists a rich and varied green growth policy agenda that may support a transition toward green growth.
Stefano Sacchi
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847420206
- eISBN:
- 9781447303794
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847420206.003.0005
- Subject:
- Sociology, Comparative and Historical Sociology
Italy is considered to be a warm supporter of the European integration policies. Although the positive attitude of Italian towards the EU has declined in recent years, it remains high enough to allow ...
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Italy is considered to be a warm supporter of the European integration policies. Although the positive attitude of Italian towards the EU has declined in recent years, it remains high enough to allow justifying and legitimising domestic strategies of state modernisation through pointing towards EU membership imperatives. Paradigmatic in this regard is the sequence of reforms in the 1990s that allowed Italy to enter the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) through the main door. However, Italy's implementation is still poor and its participation in the day-to-day EU-level decision making is generally random. This chapter discusses Italy's official response to various recent social policy initiatives, and its tendency to depend on the voluntarism of civil servants commanding few organisational resources and lacking political guidelines on which to orient their actions. However, in some cases, Italy has responded to social policy initiatives by either criticising them or influencing them at the EU level. This response has occurred when the planned initiatives were against the government's domestic policy agenda or when they could be exploited to promote or legitimise this agenda. Whether this type of response signifies a change in the path of Italy's participation in the EU social policy or merely implies a cynical attitude on the part of the government that ruled Italy for the first half of the current decade forms the focus of the concluding section.Less
Italy is considered to be a warm supporter of the European integration policies. Although the positive attitude of Italian towards the EU has declined in recent years, it remains high enough to allow justifying and legitimising domestic strategies of state modernisation through pointing towards EU membership imperatives. Paradigmatic in this regard is the sequence of reforms in the 1990s that allowed Italy to enter the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) through the main door. However, Italy's implementation is still poor and its participation in the day-to-day EU-level decision making is generally random. This chapter discusses Italy's official response to various recent social policy initiatives, and its tendency to depend on the voluntarism of civil servants commanding few organisational resources and lacking political guidelines on which to orient their actions. However, in some cases, Italy has responded to social policy initiatives by either criticising them or influencing them at the EU level. This response has occurred when the planned initiatives were against the government's domestic policy agenda or when they could be exploited to promote or legitimise this agenda. Whether this type of response signifies a change in the path of Italy's participation in the EU social policy or merely implies a cynical attitude on the part of the government that ruled Italy for the first half of the current decade forms the focus of the concluding section.
Pedro Conceiçāo
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195179972
- eISBN:
- 9780199850709
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195179972.003.0010
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, International
This chapter examines the emergence of new actors and purposes and the increase in diversity of financing mechanisms in international cooperation. It suggests that growth in international financing ...
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This chapter examines the emergence of new actors and purposes and the increase in diversity of financing mechanisms in international cooperation. It suggests that growth in international financing mechanisms and their increasing diversity may be attributed to the broadened international policy agenda, which now includes concerns related to the provision of global public goods as well as development assistance. It explains that along with governments, business and civil society actors are increasingly participating as financiers in international cooperation efforts.Less
This chapter examines the emergence of new actors and purposes and the increase in diversity of financing mechanisms in international cooperation. It suggests that growth in international financing mechanisms and their increasing diversity may be attributed to the broadened international policy agenda, which now includes concerns related to the provision of global public goods as well as development assistance. It explains that along with governments, business and civil society actors are increasingly participating as financiers in international cooperation efforts.
Pradumna B. Rana and Wai-Mun Chia
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- June 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780199479283
- eISBN:
- 9780199091010
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780199479283.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, South and East Asia
As is well-known, the seminal work of the late Angus Maddison has established that 2,000 years ago the Indian subcontinent (modern day, South Asia) and China were by far the richest regions of the ...
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As is well-known, the seminal work of the late Angus Maddison has established that 2,000 years ago the Indian subcontinent (modern day, South Asia) and China were by far the richest regions of the world. Since the Industrial Revolution of the nineteenth century, the share of world GDP of the Indian subcontinent had started to decline. This trend reversed somewhat after the economic reforms of the 1980s and 1990s. More recently, however, economic growth in South Asia has softened yet once again for several reasons. This book focuses on the slowing pace of economic reforms and outlines a two-pronged strategy to jumpstart South Asian economies. First, South Asian countries should complete the economic reform process that they had begun in the 1980s and 1990s and implement the more microeconomic reforms, namely, the sectoral, and governance and institutional reforms to enhance competition and improve the operation of markets. Second, they should implement the second round of ‘Look East’ policies or LEP2 to (i) link themselves to production networks in East Asia, their fastest-growing markets, and (ii) develop production networks in manufacturing and services within their region. The book argues that the proposed strategy will lead to a win-win situation for all countries in South Asia and East Asia and reinvigorate economic integration within South Asia, one of the least integrated regions of the world. The book also identifies the unfinished policy reform agenda for each South Asian country and the components of the LEP2 that they should implement.Less
As is well-known, the seminal work of the late Angus Maddison has established that 2,000 years ago the Indian subcontinent (modern day, South Asia) and China were by far the richest regions of the world. Since the Industrial Revolution of the nineteenth century, the share of world GDP of the Indian subcontinent had started to decline. This trend reversed somewhat after the economic reforms of the 1980s and 1990s. More recently, however, economic growth in South Asia has softened yet once again for several reasons. This book focuses on the slowing pace of economic reforms and outlines a two-pronged strategy to jumpstart South Asian economies. First, South Asian countries should complete the economic reform process that they had begun in the 1980s and 1990s and implement the more microeconomic reforms, namely, the sectoral, and governance and institutional reforms to enhance competition and improve the operation of markets. Second, they should implement the second round of ‘Look East’ policies or LEP2 to (i) link themselves to production networks in East Asia, their fastest-growing markets, and (ii) develop production networks in manufacturing and services within their region. The book argues that the proposed strategy will lead to a win-win situation for all countries in South Asia and East Asia and reinvigorate economic integration within South Asia, one of the least integrated regions of the world. The book also identifies the unfinished policy reform agenda for each South Asian country and the components of the LEP2 that they should implement.
Massimiliano Mascherini
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- January 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780190864798
- eISBN:
- 9780190864828
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190864798.003.0017
- Subject:
- Social Work, Social Policy, Communities and Organizations
This chapter describes the origins of the concept of NEETs (young people not in employment, education, or training) and discusses its future role in the European policy agenda by disentangling the ...
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This chapter describes the origins of the concept of NEETs (young people not in employment, education, or training) and discusses its future role in the European policy agenda by disentangling the heterogeneity of the NEET population. The term NEET entered into European policy debates as an additional indicator to facilitate a better understanding of young people’s vulnerabilities—including young mothers and youth with disabilities—concerning their labor market participation. In order to design policy interventions targeted at the needs of particular subgroups of young people, knowing the size and the characteristics of these subgroups is essential. Using the EU-LFS, this chapter proposes a disaggregation of the NEET indicator into seven subgroups of youth, which enables a better understanding of the composition of the NEET population in Europe and can improve targeting and monitoring of the effectiveness of the policy efforts to (re)integrate NEETs into the labor market or education.Less
This chapter describes the origins of the concept of NEETs (young people not in employment, education, or training) and discusses its future role in the European policy agenda by disentangling the heterogeneity of the NEET population. The term NEET entered into European policy debates as an additional indicator to facilitate a better understanding of young people’s vulnerabilities—including young mothers and youth with disabilities—concerning their labor market participation. In order to design policy interventions targeted at the needs of particular subgroups of young people, knowing the size and the characteristics of these subgroups is essential. Using the EU-LFS, this chapter proposes a disaggregation of the NEET indicator into seven subgroups of youth, which enables a better understanding of the composition of the NEET population in Europe and can improve targeting and monitoring of the effectiveness of the policy efforts to (re)integrate NEETs into the labor market or education.
