MORALITY AND PUBLIC POLICY Clem Henricson
First published in Great Britain in 2016 by Policy Press • University of Bristol • 1-9 Old Park Hill • Bristol BS2 8BB • UK • Tel +44 (0)117 954 5940 • e-mail
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[email protected] uchicago.edu • www.press.uchicago.edu © Policy Press 2016 British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data A catalog record for this book has been requested ISBN 9781447323815 hardcover ISBN 9781447323822 paperback ISBN 9781447323853 ePub ISBN 9781447323860 Mobi The right of Clem Henricson to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. All rights reserved: no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior permission of Policy Press. The statements and opinions contained within this publication are solely those of the author and not of the University of Bristol or Policy Press. The University of Bristol and Policy Press disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any material published in this publication. Policy Press works to counter discrimination on grounds of gender, race, disability, age and sexuality. Cover design by David Rodgers Front cover image: www.alamy.com Reader’s Guide This book has been optimised for PDA. Tables may have been presented to accommodate this devices’ limitations. Image presentation is limited by this device’s limitations.
Contents Acknowledgements Preface one two three four five six References
Introduction: why we need a better connection between morality and public policy Moral perspectives to be addressed in an inclusive public policy Synergies and tensions: morality as an accommodation of human impulses in different cultural contexts The challenges and benefits of a new role for public policy Managing morality: a public policy analytical tool Conclusion
Acknowledgements As with any book from narrative to poetry to scientific interpretation – the influences are so broad and diffuse that it is impossible to do them justice in any attempt at acknowledgement. But for the record, I have learnt about the defects of a public policy system that fights shy of embracing the reality of morality from those who have engaged and striven with moral causes, who have exhibited commitment and ceaseless crusading. My thoughts have been moulded by the determination of these stalwarts who have made some headway against oppressive, out of date policies consequent on stasis at the morality–public policy interface. It is the hope of lessening the unnecessary burden on those seeking change and a better match between morality and policy that has prompted me to pen this think piece. It is a hope that public policy can better accommodate the moral dimension associated with changing social mores, personal relationships, matters of life and death and even welfare and finance. From modes of policing and criminal justice to equalities to family policy and human rights, I have been influenced by a striving for change that has cried out to be better facilitated by institutions of state and public administration. For the development and refinement of the book itself I owe a particular d