Challenging governance theory: From networks to hegemony

by Jonathan S. Davies

Overview

Theories heralding the rise of network governance have dominated for a generation. Yet, empirical research suggests that claims for the transformative potential of networks are exaggerated. This topical and timely book takes a critical look at contemporary governance theory, elaborating a Gramscian alternative. It argues that, although the ideology of networks has been a vital element in the neoliberal hegemonic project, there are major structural impediments to accomplishing it. While networking remains important, the hierarchical and coercive state is vital for the maintenance of social order and integral to the institutions of contemporary governance. Reconsidering it from Marxist and Gramscian perspectives, the book argues that the hegemonic ideology of networks is utopian and rejects the claim that there has been a transformation from 'government' to 'governance'. This important book has international appeal and will be essential reading for scholars and students of governance, public policy, human geography, public management, social policy and sociology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781847426147
Publisher:	Bristol University Press
Publication date:	09/28/2011
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.02(d)

About the Author

Jonathan S. Davies is Professor of Critical Policy Studies at De Montfort University, having formerly worked at the University of Warwick. He studied for his DPhil at the University of York and has since published widely in urban politics, governance and public policy.

Table of Contents

Contents: Introduction; The rise of governance theory; Governance policy and institutions; Critical responses to governance theory; Governance theory: three postmodernist elisions; Beyond critique: governance as hegemony; Governance beyond the differentiated polity; Conclusion.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"A robust challenge to the casual acceptance of network governance as the 'way we live now', this book offers a stimulating and provocative critique of governance that is theoretically rich and analytically satisfying. Essential. " Helen Sullivan, University of Birmingham

"The conventional wisdom about 'governance' is subject to an incisive critique, reinforcing Davies reputation for pushing forward new thinking about the relationship between state and civil society." Chris Skelcher, University of Birmingham

Editorial Reviews

A robust challenge to the casual acceptance of network governance as the 'way we live now', this book offers a stimulating and provocative critique of governance that is theoretically rich and analytically satisfying. Essential. Helen Sullivan, University of Birmingham


Jonathan Davies adds a novel critical voice to debates about governance.Drawing on Gramsci, he argues that network governance is less a panacea than a perpetuation of modernism. Dreams of spreading connections, reflexivity, and communication constantly get transformed into a reality of hierarchy, hegemony, and domination. Mark Bevir, University of California, Berkeley


The conventional wisdom about 'governance' is subject to an incisive critique, reinforcing Davies reputation for pushing forward new thinking about the relationship between state and civil society. Chris Skelcher, University of Birmingham

From the Publisher