White, Gregory (2016) Social Movements and Social Policies: Political Challenges Under Austerity In The UK. The Multidisciplinary Journal of Social Protest, 3 (2). pp. 17-32. ISSN 2330-1392. (KAR id:59730)
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Abstract
The economic crisis of 2007/2008 presented a challenge to the welfare state in the UK, and, more
widely, across Europe. It also presented a challenge to many citizens, who were on the receiving
end of the austerity agenda, and subsequent tightening of welfare spending. If nothing else,
the financial crisis demonstrated the hegemony of economic theories prominent in neoliberal
capitalism. As many academics and commentators have identified, however, the current period
of instability is indicative of a systemic crisis. In addition to this analysis, the crisis also exposed
the intricate and opaque links between western governments and the financial sector. During
and after the crisis an eruption of activity in civil society galvanised many that had been directly
affected by either the crisis itself – through loss of employment – or by the subsequent austerity
measures imposed. This paper aims to examine the current crisis affecting the welfare state in the
UK, and social policy more broadly, and, begins to suggest how social movements are seeking to
challenge the dominant discourses surrounding austerity politics. The paper will suggest some
reasons as to why traditional forms of resistance and organisation – such as the mobilisations
of the trade union movement – have largely been unsuccessful in challenging such narratives.
The paper will conclude by considering the shift from trade unionism in the UK to post-crisis
social movements, and where an anti-austerity movement more broadly might develop further in
pursuit of defending the principles of social welfare, and, ultimately, the welfare state.
Item Type: | Article |
---|---|
Uncontrolled keywords: | Social movements; austerity; economic crisis; protest; social policy |
Subjects: |
H Social Sciences H Social Sciences > HM Sociology |
Divisions: | Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research > Centre for Health Services Studies |
Depositing User: | Gregory White |
Date Deposited: | 26 Jan 2017 14:27 UTC |
Last Modified: | 10 Dec 2022 06:31 UTC |
Resource URI: | https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/59730 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes) |
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