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The integration of activation policy at sub-national level : a case study of the City Strategy initiative in an English sub-region

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Green, Anne E., 1958- and Orton, Michael. (2009) The integration of activation policy at sub-national level : a case study of the City Strategy initiative in an English sub-region. International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol.29 (No.11-12). pp. 612-623. ISSN 0144-333X

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Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to engage with the theme of activation policies and organisational innovation in the capability perspective, from the viewpoint of active labour market policies in the UK. Design/methodology/approach – The focus of the article is the City Strategy initiative in Great Britain, which encourages institutions to work together to develop solutions to concentrations of worklessness. The article presents findings from a case study of the introduction of the City Strategy in one English sub-region: Birmingham, Coventry and the Black Country. The empirical investigation is based on analysis of documentary evidence including strategy papers and “grey literature” such as minutes of meetings and internal briefings. In addition, the case study draws on in-depth qualitative interviews conducted with 18 local actors involved in the City Strategy. Findings – The empirical investigation provides selected evidence of successful public action undertaken through the City Strategy. It discusses issues concerning the benefits of partnership working and inter-agency cooperation, but also limits that are reached. Originality/value – The paper identifies elements of the capabilities approach – the idea of situated public action, the importance of local actors, and key concepts of empowerment and voice – as providing a helpful framework for analysis. While the City Strategy represents an interesting example of situated public action to tackle worklessness, it can be argued that what is missing in this instance is what the capabilities approach identifies as key elements of empowerment and voice for local actors.

Item Type: Journal Article
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor
H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Divisions: Faculty of Social Sciences > Institute for Employment Research
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): Labor market -- Government policy -- England -- West Midlands -- Case studies, Unemployment -- Government policy -- England -- West Midlands -- Case studies, Labor market -- England -- West Midlands -- Case studies, Labor policy -- England -- West Midlands -- Case studies, Policy sciences
Journal or Publication Title: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Ltd.
ISSN: 0144-333X
Date: December 2009
Volume: Vol.29
Number: No.11-12
Page Range: pp. 612-623
Identification Number: 10.1108/01443330910999050
Status: Peer Reviewed
Publication Status: Published
Access rights to Published version: Restricted or Subscription Access
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URI: http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/37527

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