It's the Government, Stupid: How Governments Blame Citizens for Their Own Policies

Hardback

Main Details

Title It's the Government, Stupid: How Governments Blame Citizens for Their Own Policies
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Keith Dowding
Physical Properties
Format:Hardback
Pages:210
Dimensions(mm): Height 216,Width 138
ISBN/Barcode 9781529206388
ClassificationsDewey:320.6
Audience
General
Illustrations 3 Tables, black and white

Publishing Details

Publisher Bristol University Press
Imprint Bristol University Press
Publication Date 2 September 2020
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

Governments have developed a convenient habit of blaming social problems on their citizens, placing too much emphasis on personal responsibility and pursuing policies to 'nudge' their citizens to better behaviour. Dowding shows that, in fact, responsibility for many of our biggest social crises - including obesity, gun crime, homelessness, drug addiction and problem gambling - should be laid at the feet of politicians. He argues for a radical shift, encouraging us to stop scapegoating fellow citizens. He calls instead for us to demand more from our governments, who have the real power and responsibility to alleviate problems and bring about lasting change.

Author Biography

Keith Dowding is Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Political Philosophy at the Australian National University. Previously he was Professor of Political Science at the London School of Economics. He has published over 90 articles and 20 books including Rational Choice and Political Power (Bristol University Press, 2019).