The consumer in public services: Choice, values and difference

Description

"The consumer in public services" critiques established assumptions surrounding citizenship and consumption. Drawing on empirical research, it challenges existing stereotypes about the 'consumer as chooser' and shows how we must develop a more sophisticated understanding of consumers, examining their place and role as users of public services.

Richard Simmons is Lecturer in Social Policy at the University of Stirling, Scotland. His research focuses on the governance and delivery of public services, especially in the application of user perspectives. Martin Powell is Professor of Health and Social Policy at the Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham. His research interests include welfare theory, policy evaluation and health policy. Ian Greener is Reader in Social Policy at Durham University. He has written widely about health policy and organisation in the UK.

"Drawing on cutting edge research, this book brings together an impressive list of contributors to unpack a deceptively simple idea. A must for anyone interested in the future of public services." Marilyn Taylor, Professor of Urban Governance and Regeneration, University of the West of England