Challenging times, challenging administration: The role of public administration in producing social justice in Ireland (Irish Society)

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. Challenging times, challenging administration explores the relationship between public administration and social justice in Ireland. It argues that public administration, at a variety of levels, is challenged to reassess its unique role in designing and delivering social justice outcomes. However, it finds little evidence to indicate that the public administration system, now or in the past, sees social justice as one of its core developmental objectives. 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. In addition, it engages with recent empirical experience within the public administration system in Ireland, drawing on the views of those within the system as well as those who closely engage with it. Based on this, it presents a series of conclusions pointing towards ways in which a more activist, justice-oriented public administration could be fostered. This 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. It is also relevant to policy-makers and to those interested in ongoing processes of public sector reform. Book jacket 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. 1 Contemporary Challenges For Public Administration 8 -- 2 The Role Of Public Administration In Promoting And Protecting Social Justice 32 -- 3 Exploring The Meaning Of Social Justice 51 -- 4 Civic Engagement And Social Justice 77 -- 5 The Evolution Of Public Administration In Ireland 100 -- 6 Assessing The State Of Social Justice In Irish Public Administration 120 -- 7 Social Justice And Public Administration In Practice 145 -- 8 Towards A Social Justice Agenda In Public Administration 169. Chris Mcinerney. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.