New Labour

"New Labour's apparent pragmatism disguises an ideological commitment to particular forms of social science - institutionalism and communitarianism." "New Labour: A critique traces the impact of these forms of social science on New Labour, paying particular attention to the welfare state and the economy. Institutionalism and communitarianism typically objectify aspects of the social world to sustain claims to expert knowledge. Mark Bevir defends and enacts an alternative, interpretive approach to social science. His approach inspires a critique of New Labour as a contingent reworking of a particular socialist tradition." "New Labour: A critique explores diverse traditions of British socialism, which could open the way to radical alternatives to New Labour based on participation, pluralism, and dialogue."--Jacket.