Lamppost modernism: traditional and critical social policy?

Abstract

This article considers aspects of the recent debate over the relationship of social policy to accounts of postmodernity. It will be argued that the treatment of welfare and social policy by some observers of postmoder nity/post-traditional society has been inadequate, neglecting scepticism and critique from within social policy. Despite some serious reservations regarding the treatment of welfare in their accounts, it will be suggested that there are features of a postmodern analysis that are significant for a critical social policy. The article concludes by suggesting that dialogue needs to be promoted, but it is not simply a case of social policy listening to social theorists. They would do well to be a little more reflexive and a little more attentive to debates from within social policy.