Kettell, Steven (2012) Thematic review : religion and the Big Society : a match made in heaven? Policy & Politics, Vol.40 (No.2). pp. 281-296. doi:10.1332/030557312X640004

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Abstract

The Big Society agenda forms one of the main programmatic pillars of the Conservative- Liberal Democrat coalition government. Ostensibly based on the principles of decentralisation and empowerment, this envisions a shrinking of the state and a greater role for faith-based organisations in the provision of welfare and social services. For religious groups, involvement with the Big Society is seen as an opportunity to reverse a long-term process of waning social influence and to reshape the role of faith in the public sphere. In the way of these objectives being achieved, however, are a number of serious problems, including the current economic and political situation, the particular characteristics of faith groups themselves and general attitudes towards religion in public life. Given the importance attached to the participation of faith-based organisations in the Big Society project, these issues have significant implications both for the future role of religion in the public sphere and for the unfolding of the programme itself.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Politics and International Studies
Journal or Publication Title:	Policy & Politics
Publisher:	The Policy Press
ISSN:	0305-5736
Official Date:	2012
Dates:	Date Event 2012 Published
Volume:	Vol.40
Number:	No.2
Page Range:	pp. 281-296
DOI:	10.1332/030557312X640004
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access

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