Social Policy, Political Economy and the Social Contract

Jonathan Wistow's book explores how social policy produces long-standing, patterned and inequitable consequences in health, place and social mobility in England, and how globalization and the political economy contribute to the extent and nature of social problems. It argues that society needs to take ownership of the outcomes it produces and critically interrogate the individualism inherent within the political economy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 190 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2022
Publisher: Bristol University Press

In this groundbreaking and thought-provoking study, Jonathan Wistow delves into the intricate relationship between social policy and political economy, as well as the broader social contract debates. With a keen eye on the outcomes related to health, place, and social mobility in England, Wistow employs empirical evidence to illustrate how the social contract has perpetuated long-standing, deeply entrenched, and unequal consequences in these critical domains. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of social problems and the limitations of traditional social policy approaches, Wistow explores the interplay between globalization and the political economy, acknowledging their profound influence on the extent and nature of social challenges. Through the lens of social contract theory, this book compellingly argues that society must take responsibility for the outcomes it generates and critically examine the inherent individualism embedded within the political economy. By doing so, Wistow offers a valuable roadmap for reimagining social policy and fostering a more equitable and inclusive society.

In this challenging and original study, Jonathan Wistow positions social policy within political economy and social contract debates.

Focusing on individual, intergenerational, and societal outcomes related to health, place, and social mobility in England, he draws on empirical evidence to show how the social contract produces long-standing, highly patterned, and inequitable consequences in these areas.

Globalization and the political economy simultaneously contribute to the extent and nature of social problems and to social policies capacity to address them effectively.

Applying social contract theory, this book shows that society needs to take ownership of the outcomes it produces and critically interrogates the individualism inherent within the political economy.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447352617