Big Society

The term Big Society refers to the socio-political program of British Prime Minister David Cameron. It aims to promote civic engagement, especially in the social sciences and education, and in the sense of empowerment to reduce the power of the central government for the benefit of citizens and communities. Cameron considers the realization of the idea of a Big Society as his actual political mission .. With the implementation of the Secretary of State Nick Hurd and the " Big Society Advisor" Lord Wei are charged. As the spiritual father of the concept applies Oliver Letwin.

Idea

The Big Society may on one hand be understood as a departure from Thatcherism and its individualistic attitude which the much -quoted sentence Thatcher's "There is no such thing as society" ( " there is no society " ) featured. On the other hand, Cameron is therefore also against the ( represented mainly by the Left ) View of interventionism in the sense of " all-powerful " state. The publicist Jesse Norman sees the idea of ​​a Big Society references to the work of British philosopher Michael Oakeshott and his social views of civil society and the role of social institutions in a society " related individuals".

In the center of the political implementation therefore be given to voluntary services by individuals and groups in society, such as NGOs and social entrepreneurs, the key areas of former government administrations are to assume the education, care and health. For example, the establishment of independent schools should be encouraged by parents groups. In order to finance individual projects own Big Society Bank to be established, are to provide capital for the private banks.

Reception

The basic idea quickly gained support, but pointed to the paradox that it was a measure of the central government, which would aim to reduce the power of central government. The cost-cutting measures in the public sector would make the establishment of the Big Society in the current environment impossible. Also, the former Labour minister Peter Mandelson said repeatedly positive.

The chairman of the Labour Party, Ed Miliband, described the Big Society as a cynical attempt to justify the budget cuts in social spending; similar was also expressed by union representatives. Representatives of NGOs are partly skeptical. During the campaign for the general election in 2010 was also criticized within the party that the idea of the Big Society was presented too late to be known before the election. Moreover, the concept too imprecise and the voters would be very difficult almost bring.