Beyond Modernisation? Social Care and the Transformation of Welfare Governance

Abstract

This article reflects on the process and outcomes of modernisation in adult social care in England and Wales, drawing particularly on the recently completed Modernising Adult Social Care (MASC) research programme commissioned by the Department of Health. We begin by exploring the contested status of 'modernisation' as a descriptor of reform. We then outline some of the distinctive features of adult social care services and suggest that these features introduce dynamics likely to shape both the experiences and outcomes of policy ambitions for modernisation. We then reflect on the evidence emerging from the MASC studies and develop a model for illuminating some of the dynamics of welfare governance. Finally, we highlight the emerging focus on individualisation and on user-directed and controlled services. We argue that the current focus of modernisation involves a reduced emphasis on structural and institutional approaches to change and an increased emphasis on changes in the behaviours and roles of adult social care service users. This focus has implications for both the future dynamics of welfare governance and for conceptions of citizenship.

Social services, welfare states and places: an overview

“…Reform (Taylor-Gooby, 2004;Bahle, 2008) and recalibration (Ferrera et al, 2000) are also used, similarly implying a general remodelling of the welfare state as a response to structural changes and the emergence of new social risks. Another term, often used in EU documents, is modernisation, which gives a positive ring to processes aiming at making the provision of services less bureaucratic, more efficient and innovative (Newman, 2001;Cochrane, 2004;Newman et al, 2008). More normatively charged is the concept of retrenchment (Pierson, 1994;Clayton and Pontusson, 1998;Starke, 2006), which implies a reduction in the support provided by the state to certain social policies and services.…”

Subjection, Social Work and Social Theory

“…The advance of the 'Personalisation Agenda' has drawn support from a number of sources including specific groups of service users (Glendinning et al 2008), politicians from across the spectrum (Ferguson 2007), and professional social workers (Samuel, 2009). One possible reason for this is that personalisation is conceptually ambiguous, making it difficult to disagree with its basic premise while it retains a number of contradictory ideas (Ferguson, 2007).…”

“…However, it has also drawn criticisms particularly from older people who have reported lower psychological wellbeing due, possibly, to added anxiety and stress due to the burden of organising their own care (Glendinning et al 2008). There are also concerns expressed regarding the impact of personalisation on the integration and stability of adult social care; this includes unease with the emphasis on individualistic solutions which may undermine democratic and collective approaches to transforming existing services or developing new services (Newman et al 2008).…”

“…There are also concerns expressed regarding the impact of personalisation on the integration and stability of adult social care; this includes unease with the emphasis on individualistic solutions which may undermine democratic and collective approaches to transforming existing services or developing new services (Newman et al 2008).…”

Governmentality, Social Policy and the Social Construction of Old Age in England

“…The advance of the 'Personalisation Agenda' has drawn support from a number of sources including specific groups of service users (Glendinning et al 2008), politicians from across the spectrum (Ferguson 2007), and social care managers and social workers (Samuel, 2009). One possible reason for this is that personalisation is conceptually ambiguous, making it difficult to disagree with its basic premise while it retains a number of contradictory ideas (Ferguson, 2007).…”