@Article{Clarke:2008,
author = "John Clarke",
title = "Governing the Local? A Response to Kevin Stenson",
journal = "Social Work & Society",
number = "1",
year = "2008"
}
Full Metadata
Bibliographic Citation
Social Work & Society,
Volume
6,
Number
1
(2008-07-16)
Title
Governing the Local? A Response to Kevin Stenson (eng)
Author
John Clarke
Language
eng
Abstract
Kevin Stenson’s article offers a powerful argument for examining governmentality in particular local configurations rather than as relatively abstract and text-centred studies of changing mentalities and rationalities of rule. I think this is an important endeavour, partly because more situated analyses of governmentality are necessary to enrich the analytical (and political) significance of the perspective; and partly because the view from governmentality has a capacity to enrich our understandings of governance, policy and practice. Kevin’s own discussion of community safety in the Thames Valley area demonstrates just how much such a situated analysis might add to an understanding of liberal rule in England in the 21st century. Let me highlight four points that I think are absolutely central to that analysis: