Julian Le Grand Boeken

Should governments save people from themselves? Do governments have the right to influence citizens' behaviour related to smoking tobacco, eating too much, not saving enough, drinking alcohol, or taking marijuana - or does this create a nanny state, leading to infantilization, demotivation, and breaches in individual autonomy? Looking at examples from both sides of the Atlantic and around the world, 'Government Paternalism' examines the justifications for, and the prevalence of, government involvement and considers when intervention might or might not be acceptable

Exploring the dynamics of altruism in public services, the book questions whether professionals can be trusted to provide quality health and education. It challenges the roles of patients, parents, and pupils as either grateful recipients or active consumers. Evaluating recent government policies in various sectors, it proposes innovative reforms such as universal capital, discriminating vouchers, and matching grants for pensions and long-term care, alongside hypothecated taxes to enhance service delivery.

The book explores how to enhance the quality of public services like health care and education by promoting user choice and competition among providers. Julian Le Grand, drawing from his experience as a high-level policy advisor in the British government, presents evidence supporting his theoretical insights. He evaluates four service delivery methods—trust, performance management, "voice," and choice—concluding that policies fostering choice and competition are most effective when well-designed. The discussion culminates in an analysis of the political implications of these choices.

Focusing on public expenditure in social services, this book explores how financial investment can serve as a means to achieve social equality. It delves into the relationship between government spending and the promotion of equitable opportunities, offering insights into the effectiveness of these strategies. Originally published in 1982, it provides a critical analysis of social policy and its implications for fostering a more equal society.