The Labour Party and citizenship education provides the definitive account of why and how Labour introduced citizenship education as a compulsory subject in the National Curriculum. Based on interviews with the key players, it contributes to our understanding of the role of ideas and policy networks in the policy process, to debates about the nature of New Labour as a political phenomenon, and addresses the significant and topical issues of political disaffection and community cohesion.

This book is essential reading for academics and students of political science, public and social policy, education, contemporary history, and political theory. Written in an accessible style, it will also be of interest to the general reader concerned about issues of citizenship, political participation, disengagement and re-engagement.

List of figures and tables
Preface and acknowledgements
List of abbreviations
1. Introduction
2. Theorising policy-making
3. Historical context
4. Ideational context
5. Social capital, policy networks and the formation of the advisory group on citizenship
6. The deliberations and impact of the advisory group on citizenship
7. The presuppositions of citizenship education
8. Conclusion
Appendix: Principal dramatis personae
Bibliography

<p >'An important book which makes a contribution both to the political theory of education and citizenship, and to contemporary debates about citizenship education in Britain.'<p></p> <p ><p></p> <p ><p> </p></p> <p ><p></p> <p >‘An extremely rich and valuable analysis of the turn to citizenship education in Britain and a poweful assessment of its limitations as a force for social capital formation.’<p></p> <p ></p> <p ><p></p>