1,721,031 research outputs found
‘Operationalising’ the capability approach as a basis for equality and human rights monitoring in 21st century Britain
No full textIntroduction: human rights and the capabilities approach: an interdisciplinary dialogue
No full textAmong several contesting views about the purpose of development and how progress should be evaluated, human rights and capabilities (or human development) stand out as two approaches that are concerned first and foremost with the well-being of individuals, their freedom, dignity and empowerment. These two approaches contrast sharply with the dominant development frameworks that emphasize economic growth as the essential objective. Though human rights and capabilities share these common commitment to human priorities, they are distinct concepts and fields that have developed separately. The aim of this volume is to explore the relationship between them in order to enhance the understanding of both as theoretical paradigms, as public policy frameworks and as approaches to development. The book includes contributions from some of the leading scholars in the two fields of capabilities approach and human rights. It covers the essential aspects of this relationship: addressing the complementarities between human rights and capabilities as theoretical concepts; how the concept of capabilities can contribute to resolving some key theoretical issues in human rights; how the social science analysis and methods of the capabilities approach can clarify human rights concepts and strengthen human rights advocacy; and how human rights norms can strengthen public policy and mobilize collective action to demand greater accountability in placing human priorities first in public policy. Human Rights and the Capabilities Approach raises many questions for further inter-disciplinary conversation and further research
Introduction
No full textThis introductory chapter sets out the purposes and scope of the book. The period following the onset of the global financial crisis in summer 2007 was an extraordinary one in British economic and political history. First Labour then coalition governments faced a deep recession and a large hole in the public finances, alongside increasing demographic pressures on public spending. This book describes how they approached social policy in this ‘cold climate’, with topic-by-topic chapters (eg on health, housing and employment policy) as well as cross-cutting accounts on the changing nature of the welfare state, and the effects of policies on poverty, inequality and distributio
Summary and Conclusion
No full textThis chapter brings together the book’s findings, concluding that this was indeed an era with a ‘cold climate’ for many areas of social policy. However, it was not a uniform history. There were some strong contrasts between the policies Labour continued to pursue until it lost office in May 2010, and those of its successors, but also sharp differences between social policy areas under the Coalition. Austerity was selective – indeed the pressure on ‘unprotected’ areas was increased by the cost of increased income tax allowances and favourable treatment of pensions. Early years provision, social care for the elderly, and particular working-age benefits were sharply affected. Some areas were comparatively insulated, but still affected by major reform, while in others the role of the state was redrawn or even substantially withdrawn. Much of this conscious reshaping of Britain’s welfare state is set to continue or intensify under the new Conservative government
Introduction
No full textThis introductory chapter sets out the purposes and scope of the book. The period following the onset of the global financial crisis in summer 2007 was an extraordinary one in British economic and political history. First Labour then coalition governments faced a deep recession and a large hole in the public finances, alongside increasing demographic pressures on public spending. This book describes how they approached social policy in this ‘cold climate’, with topic-by-topic chapters (eg on health, housing and employment policy) as well as cross-cutting accounts on the changing nature of the welfare state, and the effects of policies on poverty, inequality and distributio
Summary and Conclusion
No full textThis chapter brings together the book’s findings, concluding that this was indeed an era with a ‘cold climate’ for many areas of social policy. However, it was not a uniform history. There were some strong contrasts between the policies Labour continued to pursue until it lost office in May 2010, and those of its successors, but also sharp differences between social policy areas under the Coalition. Austerity was selective – indeed the pressure on ‘unprotected’ areas was increased by the cost of increased income tax allowances and favourable treatment of pensions. Early years provision, social care for the elderly, and particular working-age benefits were sharply affected. Some areas were comparatively insulated, but still affected by major reform, while in others the role of the state was redrawn or even substantially withdrawn. Much of this conscious reshaping of Britain’s welfare state is set to continue or intensify under the new Conservative government
The Conservative Governments’ record on social policy from May 2015 to pre-COVID 2020: policies, spending and outcomes. An assessment of social policies and social inequalities on the eve of the COVID-19 pandemic
No full textThis overview report provides an assessment of social policy developments under the three Conservative Governments that were in power between May 2015 and the eve of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. The report provides a comprehensive examination of developments in ten major areas of social policy (social security; employment; early childhood; compulsory school age education; higher education; health; social care; physical safety and security; homelessness / complex needs; and social mobility) over this period. In assessing social policies and social inequalities on the eve of the pandemic, we identify five key cross-cutting major weaknesses and structural limitations of the welfare state and public services. In assessing outcomes across different social policy areas, we find there is overwhelming evidence that a break in social progress across multiple critical areas of life had already occurred prior to the public health emergency and the economic and social shocks that it triggered. Across the social policy areas that we examine, many key indicators of social progress had already slowed down, stalled or gone into reverse prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, looking forward, and as an input into broader discussions and debates about what is needed as the country transitions into the recovery phase from COVID-19, we set out five key cross-cutting social policy challenges for the 2020s
Arguing about the World
No full textThis book is available as open access through the Bloomsbury Open Access programme and is available on www.bloomsburycollections.com. 'The breadth of Meghnad Desai's research interests is awe-inspiring. Hence it is no surprise to see so many who are at the forefront of their respective areas represented in this volume . . . a real treat.' Sunil Wadhwani, CBE, former member of the Monetary Policy Committee, Bank of England Meghnad Desai's work in the social sciences and his contributions to broader political and intellectual life span more than half a century. His multidisciplinary thinking and commitment to social justice, and his efforts in both the academic and political spheres, have inspired many and have highlighted the urgent need for global reforms. This volume is a celebration of Lord Desai's life and legacy from scholars and thinkers who have shared Desai's interests and who are leading contributors in their fields. The book does justice to the diversity and originality of Desai's thought, engaging with the key themes of his life's work and pointing to their relevance in understanding and tackling the challenges of the future
Arguing about the World
Full text linkThis book is available as open access through the Bloomsbury Open Access programme and is available on www.bloomsburycollections.com. 'The breadth of Meghnad Desai's research interests is awe-inspiring. Hence it is no surprise to see so many who are at the forefront of their respective areas represented in this volume . . . a real treat.' Sunil Wadhwani, CBE, former member of the Monetary Policy Committee, Bank of England Meghnad Desai's work in the social sciences and his contributions to broader political and intellectual life span more than half a century. His multidisciplinary thinking and commitment to social justice, and his efforts in both the academic and political spheres, have inspired many and have highlighted the urgent need for global reforms. This volume is a celebration of Lord Desai's life and legacy from scholars and thinkers who have shared Desai's interests and who are leading contributors in their fields. The book does justice to the diversity and originality of Desai's thought, engaging with the key themes of his life's work and pointing to their relevance in understanding and tackling the challenges of the future
Arguing about the World
Full text linkThis book is available as open access through the Bloomsbury Open Access programme and is available on www.bloomsburycollections.com. 'The breadth of Meghnad Desai's research interests is awe-inspiring. Hence it is no surprise to see so many who are at the forefront of their respective areas represented in this volume . . . a real treat.' Sunil Wadhwani, CBE, former member of the Monetary Policy Committee, Bank of England Meghnad Desai's work in the social sciences and his contributions to broader political and intellectual life span more than half a century. His multidisciplinary thinking and commitment to social justice, and his efforts in both the academic and political spheres, have inspired many and have highlighted the urgent need for global reforms. This volume is a celebration of Lord Desai's life and legacy from scholars and thinkers who have shared Desai's interests and who are leading contributors in their fields. The book does justice to the diversity and originality of Desai's thought, engaging with the key themes of his life's work and pointing to their relevance in understanding and tackling the challenges of the future
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