Public affairs and democratic ideals : critical perspectives in an era of political and economic uncertainty / Curtis Ventriss.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 207-250) and index.

Introduction -- Conditioning factors : neo-managerialism and the modern state -- A theoretical foundation : reinvigorated publicness -- A substantive approach : critical democratic thought -- Rationality, the public sphere, and the state -- The enduring implications of the economic crisis of 2008 -- Public affairs in an epoch of space : challenges to the public sphere -- A critical analysis of the role of citizen involvement in public affairs : a reexamination -- Conclusion : reflections of a sympathetic critic.

We live in an era where many citizens feel increasingly uncertain about their futures, having to deal with stagnant wages, globalization, and wealth and income inequality, while, at the same time, policymakers appear unable or unwilling to reach any viable policy consensus on a wide range of major issues. Public Affairs and Democratic Ideals addresses these vexing conditions and the challenge they pose for public management and administration. Curtis Ventriss argues for reordering intellectual and policy priorities with a focus on publicness and the role of critical democratic thought in public affairs. Too often, the assumptions that underlie the prevailing theory and practice of addressing major political and economic problems remain unquestioned, with economic and political conflicts displaced into issues of administration and leadership. Ventriss calls for a reinvigorated notion of publicness based, in part, on a public social science, civic experimentation, and policies designed and tailored to the unique needs of various publics. As a way to move forward, this book offers ideas for redefining professionalism, promoting civic initiatives, and rethinking professional education for public service. Provided by publisher.