Asymmetric Engagement: The Community and Voluntary Pillar in Irish Social Partnership

ISBN-13: 9780719086502 / Angielski / Twarda / 2014 / 264 str.

Joe Larragy

Opis

This book focuses on one of the most innovative aspects of Irish social partnership, the Community and Voluntary Pillar. It provides the most thorough account of the dynamics of the Pillar to date. By providing detailed accounts of four of the most significant players in the Pillar, the book brings greater salience to the study than would be achieved by looking at any one of them individually. It tackles the weaknesses in existing perspectives which are either dismissive or excessively optimistic. Through the lens of "asymmetric engagement," Larragy captures the elusive ways in which small organisations, may achieve some real change, then suffer setbacks and periods in the doldrums, and still come back for more. He demonstrates how the locus of power and legitimacy shifted about as Ireland moved from crisis to boom, and thus sheds light on key aspects of the social partnership model that operated in Celtic Tiger Ireland. Against the warp and weft of broader political and economic dynamics, and shifts in the political sentiment of the demos, he identifies windows of opportunity for organisations acting as policy entrepreneurs. This volume will address a key gap in the literature on Irish political studies, social institutions, governance and social policy. Written in a clear and lively style, this is a wonderful published resource and should be an essential text on students' reading lists.