The Evolution of Conservative Party Social Policy - by B Williams (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Having experienced one of its worst ever general election defeats in 1997, the Conservative Party spent an unfamiliar thirteen years in opposition. During its sustained exile from national office, the party addressed perceptions of its primarily economic policy agenda, subsequently revising its position on various social issues as a result.This book identifies the key theories and ideological traditions that have shaped and influenced Conservative Party social policy-making, with specific attention given to the evolution of Conservative Party social policy from 1997 onwards. Specific ideological and practical influences that have shaped Conservative thought are systematically highlighted, while notable social policy initiatives pursued by the post-2010 government are analyzed, notably The Big Society, Free Schools, welfare reform and NHS re-organization, all framed within the context of David Cameron's depiction of a 'broken society'. Rigorous concluding judgments provide insight into how much 'change' the modern Conservative Party has initiated within these policy spheres"--

Book Synopsis

This book addresses how the Conservative Party has re-focused its interest in social policy. Analysing to what extent the Conservatives have changed within this particular policy sphere, the book explores various theoretical, social, political, and electoral dimensions of the subject matter.

Review Quotes

'Ben Williams' insightful text offers a vital contribution towards understanding the extent to which, after five years in government, the 'progressive' and 'liberal' 'new conservatism' that emphasises social justice, articulated by the Conservative Party under David Cameron, has been grounded in a consistent and coherent social policy agenda, or was merely bold rhetoric.'

David S. Moon, Lecturer in Politics, University of Bath, UK

'As part of his modernising project David Cameron pledged to fix Britain's 'broken society' and create a 'Big Society'. In this insightful new study Ben Williams investigates the origins of these ideas, how far they were implemented, and the conflicts around them. It is essential reading for understanding this key episode in the development of modern Conservatism.'

Andrew Gamble, Professor of Politics, University of Cambridge, UK

'Dr Ben Williams has produced an impressive account of the evolution of the Conservative Party's thinking on social policy. He rightly identifies the key influences on, and developments within, Conservative Party thought and how it has shaped the Party's social policy in government since 2010. I highly recommend this book to academic researchers and students alike.'

Kevin Hickson, Senior Lecturer in Politics, University of Liverpool, UK

About the Author

Dr Ben Williams is a Politics Tutor at the University of Salford. He completed his PhD at the University of Liverpool in 2013 and has contributed to a range of books, magazines, blogs and journals covering British politics. He contributed a chapter to 'Retrieving the Big Society' (2012), and his expertise covers British political parties, political theory and ideology.