Abstract:
The case for economic crisis in the UK - the basis of the austerity programme and the part-dismantling of the Welfare State - is assertion rather than analysis. This is evidence of a hegemonic 'single political narrative' which is little subjected to critical scrutiny or public debate. The casualty is deliberative democracy and the quality of public understanding - essentially, a de-education strategy. This analysis challenges such a hegemony and, through its presentation at conferences, public lectures, publications and broadcasts (cited elsewhere in this submission) makes the case for deliberative contestation over social and economic realities and visions. This is an attempt at public education and to trial a diffusion strategy commensurate with the principles of Democratic Evaluation. The methodological approach is Popperian 'falsification'. Each card has an assertion on its face with a (evidence-based) refutation on its reverse - some cards are pedagogical in keeping with the public education aspect of the presentation.