New publication on subversive citizens
Professor Marian Barnes' new book, Subversive citizens: Power, agency, and resistance in public services, has been published by The Policy Press. Co-edited with David Prior (University of Birmingham), Subversive citizens examines the ways in which public services staff and users can seek to subvert official policy objectives.
Citizens' everyday conduct is shaped by governmental action, yet there is much evidence that both front-line staff in public services and the people who use them can sometimes act in ways that modify, disrupt or negate intended policy outcomes. Subversive citizens presents a highly original examination of how official policy objectives can be 'subverted' through the actions of staff and users.
This fascinating new book was co-edited with David Prior of the University of Birmingham, and will be of interest to students of social policy, sociology, criminology, politics and related disciplines, as well as policy makers involved in public services.
Find out more on the publisher's website.
Professor Barnes is director of the Social Science Policy and Research Centre.
See her staff profile.
This edited collection makes an outstanding contribution to the debate in a provocative, compelling and original way. It is rare indeed for an edited collection to have the conceptual coherence and sense of lively dialogue on display across its chapters. This is a must read for policy makers and practitioners, social science researchers and students, and, of course, potentially subversive citizens!
Professor Gordon Hughes, School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University
This timely book is essential reading, offering highly original and critical insights into the policy process in its contemporary context.
Marjorie Mayo, Professor of Community Development, Goldsmith's College, University of London
