Powering a good society

Abstract

A recent study shows that current methods to reduce poverty are failing. A change of direction is needed, since traditional methods of job creation and social security are unlikely to work in the future. The answer lies not in a set of transactional policies that shift resources but in the development of transformational relationships that shift power. This article will describe the society people want. The research is based on social surveys, focus groups and participative research that include the views, among others, of minorities, migrants, children, community groups and organised groups of poor people in the UK. Findings suggest five principles for a good society: a decent standard of living, a sense of security, freedom to be creative, respectful relationships and a sustainable future for the next generation. The paper examines the role of people and organisations in communities organising from the bottom up to reshape their local economies and to build inclusive communities. This article is based on a five-year research programme by the Webb Memorial Trust asking three questions: • What is a good society without poverty? • How do we obtain that society? • Who does what to implement a good society without poverty?

Women, homelessness and multiple disadvantage in Stoke-on-Trent: The need for safe places in the context of wider health and social inequalities

“…Returning to the five key principles for a good society (Knight, 2018: 576), for women with experience of multiple disadvantage it is distressingly clear to see how far from these ideals we are of: a decent standard of living, a sense of security, freedom to be creative, respectful relationships and building a sustainable future for the next generation. How these principles apply for women with experience of severe and multiple disadvantage specifically demands further attention.…”

“…Noting that the traditional methods of action on poverty (i.e. work and social security) are unlikely to be effective, Knight (2017Knight ( , 2018 explores a new model of society, based on the development of transformational relationships that shift power rather than policies that seek to shift resources. This work builds on extensive research on poverty commissioned by the Webb Memorial Trust, which included over 12,000 respondents.…”

“…This would allow for a more nuanced examination of findings and perspectives across the system, which would help inform strategies about the action needed with different sectors. Knight (2018) emphasises the power of relationships, highlighting that multiple organisations need to be involved if we wish to develop 'a good society'; he further notes that this is easier to manage at a local level because of the relationships that already exist. In terms of action on women's experiences of multiple disadvantage in Stoke-on-Trent, we have strong foundations to build on, and far more to be done.…”

“…This work builds on extensive research on poverty commissioned by the Webb Memorial Trust, which included over 12,000 respondents. Knight (2018: 576) continues the conversation about the five key principles for a good society: 1) We all have a decent basic standard of living, 2) So, we are secure and free to choose how to lead our lives, 3) Developing our potential and flourishing materially and emotionally, 4) Participating, contributing and treating all with care and respect, 5) And building a fair and sustainable future for the next generations. Further consideration is needed of how such models relate to people with experience of severe and multiple disadvantage, for whom: “In addition to general background poverty, it seems to be in the realms of (very difficult) family relationships and (very) poor educational experience that we can find the most important early roots of severe multiple disadvantage” ( Bramley et al, 2015 : 6) …”