Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review‘This is a significant and inspiring work inviting a rethinking of modern social policies. Kananen introduces the concept of creative social policy anchored in history, social and economic theory. He argues forcefully for the strengthening of the emancipatory aspects of social policy in a politically unstable world in which current forms of economic production appear environmentally unsustainable.’ -- Stein Kuhnle, University of Bergen, Norway
‘Johannes Kananen develops an inspiring and novel account of creative social policy to articulate a vision for the next step in the development of the modern welfare state. It is well motivated in today’s world of relentless neoliberal austerity and increasing social inequities. In addition to an effective critique of status quo economics, the author offers well thought-out solutions. These include differentiating between needs and wants, Universal Basic Income, and a Universal Seed Money fund for enterprises to develop citizens’ creative potentials. Kananen’s vision points in a direction where policy decisions are guided by an aim to foster human potential, instead of our current tired default to favor economic growth regardless of its impact on individuals, society, and the environment. I welcome these fresh insights and comprehensive creative social policy proposals.’ -- S.M. Amadae, University of Helsinki, Finland and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US
‘This book offers an imaginative new direction for social policy, intended to further human interests at the social rather than the individual level.’ -- Peter Taylor-Gooby, University of Kent, UK
Table of ContentsContents: Preface and acknowledgements 1 Introduction: transformative social policy 2 Knowledge, economics imperialism and social policy 3 An expanded form of social policy knowledge: from social engineering to co-creation 4 Creative social policy 5 The historicity of creative social policy 6 The establishment of central bank independence, fiscal austerity and a distinction between the deserving and undeserving poor 7 Creative social policy and neoclassical economics 8 The transformation of the functions of work and capital 9 Creative social policy in practice: transforming the functions of work and capital through Universal Basic Income (UBI) and Universal Seed Money (USM) 10 Conclusion: a new flow of money and the future of social policy References
