Hobson's choice? Meaning, manner and merits of choice in public services
International Journal of Public Sector Management
ISSN: 0951-3558
Article publication date: 22 August 2008
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to show that since its election in 1997, the Labour Government in the United Kingdom has pursued a policy agenda which in some senses represents a continuation of the New Right agenda it inherited. Central to this agenda has been the emphasis placed on choice in public services.
Design/methodology/approach
Within the context of the New Right agenda this paper explores the concept and suggested merits of choice in public service provision. It does so by focusing on the experiences in England, particularly in relation to health and education.
Findings
By reference to the empirical evidence, the paper evaluates the conceptual arguments in favour of choice and finds that the current emphasis is consistent with the news of the New Right.
Originality/value
The paper questions the merits of choice in public service provision and, in doing so, suggests that the apparent political consensus in favour of choice can not be justified.
Keywords
Citation
Macaulay, M. and Wilson, J. (2008), "Hobson's choice? Meaning, manner and merits of choice in public services", International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 21 No. 6, pp. 674-686. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513550810896532
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited