What is the purpose of politics? Often today it appears to be simply the raising of private incomes - to secure maximum economic growth and to distribute as much of it possible (notably in tax cuts) for personal consumption. Yet recent growth has not p roduced the 'Feelgood factor'. People are not concerned only about things they can buy privately. Personal well-being also depends on public goods - on the quality of the environment, on the security of neighbourhoods, on the flourishing of public space s and of culture, on the quality of the education and health services, on the sense of community. The concept of 'quality of life' expresses this idea, contrasting with the dominant discourse of private 'standard of living'. But politics is about more than even wider sense of well-being. It concerns the well-being of society as a whole - its culture, its learning, its democratic institutions, its justices and morality. As we approach the millennium we need to re-establish i n politics the idea and the language of social and normal 'progress'.
To get involved, contact:
Dr Michael Jacobs
General Secretary
Fabian Society
11 Dartmouth St
London SW1H 9BN
0171 222 8877
fabian-society@geo2.poptel.org.uk
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