Published
2 Sep 2020Page count
210 pagesISBN
978-1529206395Dimensions
216 x 138 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
2 Sep 2020Page count
210 pagesISBN
978-1529206388Dimensions
216 x 138 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
2 Sep 2020Page count
210 pagesISBN
978-1529206418Imprint
Bristol University PressPublished
2 Sep 2020Page count
210 pagesISBN
978-1529206418Imprint
Bristol University Press
It’s the Government, Stupid
In the media
On our blog: PODCAST: How governments blame citizens for their own policies
On our blog: Is Johnson’s government bailing out from responsibility?
On our blog: Johnson’s war against obesity: Will he blame us again?
'It’s the government, stupid: how governments blame citizens for their own policies' on LSE British Politics and Policy blog
'Governments set the rules – so they shouldn’t blame us for not behaving better' on The Conversation
'It's the government, stupid' in Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny
Governments have developed a convenient habit of blaming social problems on their citizens, placing too much emphasis on personal responsibility and pursuing policies to ‘nudge’ their citizens to better behaviour.
Keith Dowding shows that, in fact, responsibility for many of our biggest social crises – including homelessness, gun crime, obesity, drug addiction and problem gambling – should be laid at the feet of politicians.
He calls for us to stop scapegoating fellow citizens and to demand more from our governments, who have the real power and responsibility to alleviate social problems and bring about lasting change.
“Everyone – voters and politicians – should read this book.” Matt Matravers, University of York
“An important contribution that deserves wide recognition.” Martin Lodge, London School of Economics and Political Science
“Throws down the gauntlet to political philosophers ... Timely and important.” Miriam Bankovsky, La Trobe University
Keith Dowding is Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Political Philosophy at the Australian National University. Previously he was Professor of Political Science at the London School of Economics. He has published over 90 articles and 20 books including Rational Choice and Political Power (Bristol University Press, 2019).
Responsibility;
Gun Crime;
Obesity;
Homelessness;
Problem Gambling;
Recreational Drugs Policy;
Government Responsibility.
