Bureaucratic Manoeuvres: The Contested Administration of the Unemployed

Bureaucratic Manoeuvres examines how the governance of unemployment in Canada has shifted from a social and economic problem to one of individual employability, highlighting the challenges faced by administrators and frontline staff in governing unemployment.

Format: Hardback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 04 March 2019
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

In his insightful book Bureaucratic Manoeuvres, John Grundy delves into a profound transformation in the governance of unemployment in Canada. Traditionally, policy makers approached unemployment as a social and economic issue that required macroeconomic policies to address. However, recent labor market policy reforms have placed an increased emphasis on the perceived deficiencies of the unemployed themselves, a concerning shift that demands close scrutiny.

Bureaucratic Manoeuvres takes readers on a behind-the-scenes journey of public employment services in Canada, shedding light on the challenges faced by administrators and frontline staff in governing unemployment as a problem of individual employability. By drawing on previously untapped government records, the book provides valuable insights into internal bureaucratic struggles over the direction of labor market policy in Canada. This contribution is of utmost importance to Canadian political science, economics, public administration, and sociology.

Through his meticulous research, Grundy uncovers the complexities and contradictions within the Canadian government's approach to unemployment. He challenges the notion that unemployment is solely a result of market forces and highlights the role of government policies in shaping the job market. The book sheds light on the struggles of administrators and frontline staff who are tasked with implementing these policies, often facing conflicting demands and bureaucratic obstacles.

One of the key findings of Bureaucratic Manoeuvres is the extent to which the government's focus on individual employability has overshadowed broader social and economic concerns. The book argues that while policies aimed at improving the employability of the unemployed may have some benefits, they often come at the expense of supporting job creation and addressing the root causes of unemployment.

Furthermore, the book highlights the power dynamics at play within the bureaucratic system. It exposes the conflicts of interest between different government departments, agencies, and interest groups, which can hinder effective policy implementation. The book also sheds light on the role of political ideology and lobby groups in shaping labor market policy, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in decision-making processes.

Bureaucratic Manoeuvres is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of unemployment governance in Canada. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the historical and contemporary challenges faced by the government and offers insights into the potential solutions to address unemployment in a more holistic and sustainable manner.

In conclusion, Bureaucratic Manoeuvres is a thought-provoking and indispensable book that sheds light on the profound transformations in the governance of unemployment in Canada. John Grundy's meticulous research and insightful analysis provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by administrators, frontline staff, and policymakers in addressing unemployment. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Canadian political science, economics, public administration, and sociology.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 164 x 237 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487504472