The Power of Citizens and Professionals in Welfare Encounters: The Influence of Bureaucracy, Market and Psychology (Social and Political Power)

Book Details

• Author: Nanna Mik-Meyer

• Brand: Manchester University Press

• Binding: Paperback

• Format: Import

• ISBN: 9781526110299

• Pages: 176

• Release Date: 16-08-2022

• Package Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.4 inches

• Languages: English

About the Book

"The Workings of Power in Welfare Encounters" by Nanna Mik-Meyer delves into the micro dynamics of welfare encounters and the complex power relations that unfold in these settings. By staying close to real-world examples, the book offers a critical contribution to the field of welfare studies, drawing on key theoretical frameworks such as Foucauldian and Weberian perspectives on governance and bureaucracy, and contributing to the sociology of professions.

Key Themes:

• Power Dynamics in Welfare Encounters: The book explores how power is enacted and negotiated within welfare interactions. It highlights the subtle, everyday workings of power between welfare professionals and clients, illustrating how authority and control play out in these encounters.

• Foucauldian Perspective on Governance: Mik-Meyer adopts Foucault's ideas on governance to analyze how welfare practices are not just about the distribution of resources but also about shaping behavior and exercising control over individuals.

• Weberian Bureaucracy: The book also draws from Max Weber's theories of bureaucracy, examining how formal structures of authority and the rationalization of welfare systems affect interpersonal interactions within the welfare state.

• Sociology of Professions: Mik-Meyer contributes to the sociology of professions by investigating how welfare professionals navigate their roles, responsibilities, and the ethical dilemmas they face in their day-to-day work.

• Real-World Applications: Through a close examination of real welfare encounters, the book provides valuable insights into the practical implications of welfare policy, showing how theory applies to the lived experiences of both clients and practitioners.