Empowerment and Control in the Australian Welfare State

A Critical Analysis of Australian Social Policy Since 1972

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Social Work, Political Science, Government, Social Policy
Cover of the book Empowerment and Control in the Australian Welfare State by Philip Mendes, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Philip Mendes ISBN: 9781351801775
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: October 26, 2018
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Philip Mendes
ISBN: 9781351801775
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: October 26, 2018
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

This book explores the tensions between the competing social rights and social control functions of the modern Australian welfare state. By critically examining the history and rhetoric of the Australian welfare state from 1972 to the present day, and using the author’s long-standing research on the Australian Council of Social Service and other welfare advocacy groups, it analyses the transformation from rights-based to conditional welfare.

The Labor Party Government from 1972-75 is identified as the only clear cut example of Australia positively using welfare payments and services as an instrument to promote greater social equity, inclusion and participation. Since the mid-1970s, the Australian welfare state has gradually retreated from the social rights agenda conceived by the Whitlam Government. Australia has followed other Anglo-Saxon countries in adopting increasingly conditional and paternalistic measures that undermine the protection of social citizenship outside the labour market.

In contrast, this text makes the case for an alternative participatory and decentralized welfare state model that would prioritize social care by empowering and supporting welfare service users at a local community level.

This book will be of interest to academics, students and policy-makers working within social policy, social work and political sociology.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book explores the tensions between the competing social rights and social control functions of the modern Australian welfare state. By critically examining the history and rhetoric of the Australian welfare state from 1972 to the present day, and using the author’s long-standing research on the Australian Council of Social Service and other welfare advocacy groups, it analyses the transformation from rights-based to conditional welfare.

The Labor Party Government from 1972-75 is identified as the only clear cut example of Australia positively using welfare payments and services as an instrument to promote greater social equity, inclusion and participation. Since the mid-1970s, the Australian welfare state has gradually retreated from the social rights agenda conceived by the Whitlam Government. Australia has followed other Anglo-Saxon countries in adopting increasingly conditional and paternalistic measures that undermine the protection of social citizenship outside the labour market.

In contrast, this text makes the case for an alternative participatory and decentralized welfare state model that would prioritize social care by empowering and supporting welfare service users at a local community level.

This book will be of interest to academics, students and policy-makers working within social policy, social work and political sociology.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Input-based Phonological Acquisition by Philip Mendes
Cover of the book The Mediation of Power by Philip Mendes
Cover of the book Unknowable, Unspeakable, and Unsprung by Philip Mendes
Cover of the book Central Debates in British Politics by Philip Mendes
Cover of the book Images by Philip Mendes
Cover of the book When Welfare Disappears by Philip Mendes
Cover of the book Writings on Imperialism and Internationalism (Routledge Revivals) by Philip Mendes
Cover of the book The Paideia Classroom by Philip Mendes
Cover of the book A Dictionary of the Sacred Language of All Scriptures and Myths (Routledge Revivals) by Philip Mendes
Cover of the book Global Literacies and the World Wide Web by Philip Mendes
Cover of the book Psychology and Psychotherapy (Psychology Revivals) by Philip Mendes
Cover of the book Womankind by Philip Mendes
Cover of the book Recycling and Extended Producer Responsibility by Philip Mendes
Cover of the book Motivation and Culture by Philip Mendes
Cover of the book Dilemmas in Youth Work and Youth Development Practice by Philip Mendes
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy