Health and Care in Neoliberal Times

Neoliberal changes in health and social care have led to an erosion of the quality of our social relationships, including those between care provider and care recipient. This book argues that macro influences, such as austerity and marketization, cannot explain everything, and that many damaging things occur in micro-interactions between care provider and care recipient. It suggests a different approach to care that focuses on the interactions of politics, economics, and social change and their impact on health care and the wider welfare state.

Format: Hardback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 17 February 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book makes a compelling argument that neoliberal changes in health and social care extend far beyond mere resource allocation, priority setting, and privatization. It reveals aidious erosion of the quality of our social relationships, particularly those between care providers and care recipients. By critically examining the concept of culture and the factors that shape shifts in acceptable practices, the book delves into the conduct of conduct. It brings together insights from research on neoliberalism's impact on the economy and public services with studies on governmentality and social change.

Through a comprehensive analysis of breakdowns in the quality of care within the NHS and social care across various settings, the book challenges the notion that macro influences, such as austerity and marketization, can fully explain the complexities of care breakdowns. It emphasizes that many damaging incidents occur in the micro-interactions between care providers and care recipients. By examining the interplay between political centers, the strength of professional identities, the effectiveness of oversight and supervision, and the biographies of protagonists, Neil Small problematizes the prevailing focus on culture and culture change in our response to care failures.

In exploring the interaction of politics, economics, and social change and their profound impact on health care and the broader welfare state, this book offers valuable insights for students and researchers in health and social care, sociology, political science, and management studies. It sheds light on the complex dynamics that shape our healthcare system and provides valuable pointers for developing alternative approaches to care that prioritize the well-being and dignity of individuals.

Weight: 480g
Dimension: 240 x 164 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032365145