Big Society
The term Big Society describes the socio-political program initiated by former British Prime Minister David Cameron . It aims to promote civil society engagement , especially in the social and educational sectors, and to reduce the power of the central state in favor of citizens and municipalities in the interests of empowerment . Cameron regards the realization of the idea of a big society as his real political mission. The Secretary of State Nick Hurd and the "Big Society Advisor" Lord Wei are responsible for the implementation. Oliver Letwin is considered the intellectual father of the concept .
idea
The Big Society on the one hand as a departure from Thatcherism be understood and its individualistic attitude, the much quoted phrase Thatcher's " There is no such thing as society " ( "there is no society") featured. On the other hand, Cameron is also opposing the view (mainly represented by the left ) of interventionism in the sense of an "all-powerful" state. The publicist Jesse Norman sees the idea of a big society as references to the work of the British social philosopher Michael Oakeshott and his view of civil society and the role of social institutions in a society of "connected individuals".
The focus of the political implementation is therefore on voluntary services by individuals and social groups, such as NGOs and social entrepreneurs , who are supposed to take over essential areas of previously state administrations in the education, nursing and health sectors. For example, the establishment of independent schools is to be promoted by parent groups. A Big Society bank is to be established to finance individual projects, for which private banks are also to provide capital.
reception
The basic idea quickly gained support, but the paradox was pointed out that it was a measure of the central state aimed at reducing the power of the central state. The austerity measures in the public service would make the establishment of the Big Society impossible in the current environment. Former Labor Minister Peter Mandelson also made several positive comments.
The chairman of the Labor Party , Ed Miliband called that to justify Big Society as a cynical attempt to budget cuts in the social sector; Union representatives made similar statements. Representatives of NGOs are also sometimes skeptical. During the election campaign for the 2010 general election , there was also criticism within the party that the idea of the Big Society was presented too late to be known before the election. In addition, the concept is too imprecise and difficult to get across to voters.
Individual evidence
- ↑ NZZ online: The thrifty "big society"
- ↑ Cameron: 'Big Society is my mission in politics
- ^ The Guardian: There's no such thing as 'big society', senior Tories tell Cameron
- ↑ Tagesanzeiger: The biggest social experiment of the year
- ↑ The Press: Britain's Radical Reformers
- ↑ The Independent: The Big Society, By Jesse Norman (Review)
- ↑ What is Big Society? ( Memento of the original from February 16, 2011 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ^ Financial Times: Death by a thousand cuts for Big Society
- ^ Daily Mail: Lord Mandelson praises coalition on welfare, schools and Big Society
- ↑ The Guardian: Cameron promises power for the 'man and women on the street'
- ↑ ORF.at: Great Britain: Cameron wants to involve citizens for social services
- ↑ Die Zeit: Great Britain Clear-cutting with a smile
- ^ Peter Snowdon: Back from the Brink. The extraordinary Fall and Rise of the Conservative Party. London, Harper Press, 2010 ISBN 978-0-00-730884-2
