Policy Change, Public Attitudes and Social Citizenship: Does Neoliberalism Matter?

Neoliberal reforms have both revealed and effected a radical shift in government thinking about social citizenship rights around the world. But have they had a similarly significant impact on public support for these rights? This unique book traces public views on social citizenship across three decades through attitudinal data from New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Australia. It argues that support for some aspects of social citizenship diminished more significantly under certain political regimes than others, and limited public resistance following the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009 suggests the public accepted more neoliberal values. This study will provide food for thought for academics, students, and advocates wishing to galvanise support for social citizenship in the twenty-first century.