Locally grounded principles for a Good Society

Abstract

There is a revival of interest in the notion of a Good Society, within the context of the search for an alternative to neoliberal hegemony, but the concept remains imprecise. One way to provide greater clarity is to focus on underpinning principles. Attempts to date have largely taken a top-down approach. This article provides a new perspective by considering principles that should underpin a Good Society from a local, grounded perspective. It draws on research with people on low incomes from Black and Minority Ethnic groups, whose voice is rarely heard in debate. Findings include differences with more top-down approaches but also points of resonance. It is argued that developing a more robust construct of a Good Society with potential for broad appeal, requires linking principles to the realities of the lives of marginalised and disadvantaged groups, and with process a key consideration.

Guiding principles for social security policy: Outcomes from a bottom‐up approach

“…While progressives may share broad ideals around pursuing economic equality and anti‐poverty goals, what is missing are explicit principles that provide the required bridge to policy development. Setting out guiding principles is therefore essential for identifying and working towards shared policy goals (for a broader discussion of issues around progressive principles see New Economics Foundation and Compass, 2015; Orton & Somra, 2018).…”