First published in 1999, this volume is based on interviews and
research from previously unavailable party, state and private
archives, this insightful volume reflects on the interaction
between institutional structure and world-view that we call
political culture. Using Labour's post-war welfare policy, this
informative study makes three key points: The need to break down
distinctions between the 'symbolic' and the 'substantial' in
politics. The potential of 'Grid-Group' or 'Cultural' Theory as a
way of understanding party political culture. The crucial but
self-defeating role that welfare policy has played in Labour's
efforts to manage itself, win support and govern competently. The
well-documented research leads to the conclusion that New Labour's
much-heralded desire to 'think the unthinkable' about welfare is
largely rhetorical if one recalls what Labour did in office rather
than promised in opposition. The Government's welfare reforms,
rather than constituting a serious attempt to confront new social
realities, are in fact par for the course. Political scientists
cannot ignore the new government's past. Political historians need
to appreciate the patterns woven in a welter of detail and social
democratic defensiveness. By fusing a realist conception of
statecraft, an 'interpretavist' interest in symbols and a
predictive comparative model of the interaction between ideology
and organisation, this authoritative work will enable readers to do
just that.
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