The Social Construction of ‘the big society’ by the civil society sector
Author One: Wahida Shah Kent ()
Author Two: Dr. Simon Brooks ()
This paper reports the findings of research undertaken into the social construction of the ‘big society’ concept from the perspective of civil society, with particular reference to collaboration with the private and public sectors. It was undertaken in Wales.Data for the research was gathered through two focus groups and twelve in-depth interviews with key respondents and analysed using content analysis. A broadly social constructionist approach was taken to the research (see for example Burr, 2003; Gergen 2001) because an understanding of the meaning and significance attached to the big society is fundamental to the project.
The aim of the research was to explore how civil society socially constructed their understanding of the big society construct.What did the label mean to them? Is this something they are willing to engage with? What do they see as the benefits or challenges? Have they been consulted?
The notion of the big society has been introduced by the state and requires the co-operation and collaboration of the public, private, and civil society sector. It is for this reason that they have been the main focus of the research. The literature review refers to the lack of a clear definition of the big society and the difficulties of trying to engage with a concept that has no clear policies, procedures, or guidance attached to it (ACEVO, 2011). The respondents in this research expressed similar difficulties in trying to establish what was meant by the term big society and to find relevant documents and policies which outline it. This has resulted in the sector being disengaged, as they are uncertain what the notion represents, and fear signing up to something which could be against the sector’s culture and values. The top down approach, with no consultation or engagement with the civil society sector, has resulted in negative perceptions, cynicism and suspicion from members of this sector, “Not being paranoid but there is this slightly sinister, if not aggressive, approach towards the voluntary sector” (Focus Group 1 participant).
The respondents identified barriers to successful collaborative working across sectors, including different objectives, culture, and power imbalances. However, they felt that there was potential for successful partnership working, and were willing to engage in a three-way dialogue based on an acknowledgement of the strengths of each sector. The government could influence change by starting dialogue between the sectors.
A final theme which came through from the respondents was the sector’s fear that the pressure of trying to fulfil the ambitions of the big society agenda may lead to smaller organisations being squeezed out of the sector. Respondents expressed concern that only the largest organisations would be able to step up to deliver public service, support volunteers, and be attractive partners for business, resulting in, “…the Tescoisation of the charitable sector”, Int1.
In the absence of clarity from the government, the civil society sector has formed its own meaning of the term. In a climate of public sector cuts, they are cynical and suspicious of the label, and afraid to commit to a concept which may prove to be against the sector’s culture and values, as well as unrealistic to deliver on in practice. The vagueness around the definition, together with issue of the government’s lack of dialogue, consultation, and involvement with the civil society sector has become a big barrier to effectively engaging the sector in delivering the big society. However, more positively, respondents believe that the synergy of the three sectors (private, public and civil society) could help to come up with workable, realistic, and practical solutions to some of these social issues. However, they urge caution that the big society is not a cure-all solution for all issues.
The full article is available from the following authors:
Author One:Wahida Shah Kent
University of Glamorgan Business School
The University of Glamorgan
Pontypridd
CF37 1DL
Author Two:Dr. Simon B. Brooks (corresponding author)
University of Glamorgan Business School
The University of Glamorgan
Pontypridd
CF37 1DL
Email:
Track: Sustainable and responsible business
Word count: 6539