Challenging Times, Challenging Administration : The Role of Public Administration in Producing Social Justice in Ireland

This book explores the relationship between public administration and social justice in Ireland. It argues that public administration, at a variety of levels, is challenged to consider its unique and potentially far reaching role in designing and delivering social justice outcomes. Locating this discussion within recent social and economic events in Ireland, it draws on a variety of historical and contemporary sources to stimulate reflection on social justice and its relationship with public administration and public policy. Building on this, the book explores some of the recent policy and practice of public administration institutions, presenting the views of those within the administrative system as well as those who closely engage with it on issues of justice, poverty and social inclusion. From this it concludes that while some isolated examples of good practice exist, there is little evidence to indicate that the public administration system, now or in the past, sees social justice as one of its central responsibilities. This book is original in focusing on the role of the administrative system as a social justice actor in its own right, with its own dispositions and value systems. In taking this approach the book establishes a conceptual and practical justification for public administration to be proactive in pursuing social justice outcomes and presents a series of conclusions pointing towards ways in which a more active, justice oriented, public administration could be fostered. The role of public administration and social justice is an area long overlooked in Ireland and more broadly in Europe, though it is somewhat more developed in the USA. This book addresses that gap and presents an original work, drawing on a broad range of conceptual material as well as empirical experiences in Ireland. It focuses on the role of the administrative system as a social justice actor in its own right, with its own dispositions and value systems. In taking this approach the book establishes a conceptual and practical justification for public administration to be proactive in pursuing social justice outcomes. The book is relevant not only to those studying public administration but also to those interested in social policy and social justice. It will be of benefit both to academics in these areas as well as to students at undergraduate and postgraduate level, policy makers and civil society groups. Front matter Series editor's foreword Dedication Contents List of figures and tables Acknowledgements Introduction Contemporary challenges for public administration The role of public administration in promoting and protecting social justice Exploring the meaning of social justice Civic engagement and social justice The evolution of public administration in Ireland Assessing the state of social justice in Irish public administration Social justice and public administration in practice Towards a social justice agenda in public administration References Index Chris McInerny explores the relationship between public administration and social justice in Ireland. He argues that public administration, at a variety of levels, is challenged to consider its unique and potentially far-reaching role in designing and delivering social justice outcomes. Locating this discussion within recent social and economic events in Ireland, he draws on a variety of historical and contemporary sources to stimulate reflection on social justice and its relationship with public administration and public policy