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Pregledni rad

https://doi.org/10.3935/rsp.v7i2.253

The Third Way: New Political and Ideological Frameworks of Social Politics

Josip Kregar ; Pravni fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu


Puni tekst: hrvatski html 97 Kb

str. 113-129

preuzimanja: 2.085

citiraj


Sažetak

The idea of the third way is considered to be a significant change in how society and politics are viewed. Political practice and the appearance of new theoretical concepts, of which A. Giddens's concept and its effect on third-way politics is analysed in particular, are responsible for the formation of this idea. The most significant point in this theoretical concept is its formulation of the basic changes in modern society, and its most significant consequence is the redefinition and transformation of the social state. In this area, the ideological and conceptual differences between liberalism and social democracy disappear. Attempts to internationalise third-way politics through closer contacts between countries, where social reformers are in power, are emphasised. The formulation of the third way is analysed particularly in works by T. Blair and in his common manifesto with G. Schröder. A. Giddens's theoretical concepts are also discussed in the paper, especially his understanding of the theory of social structuring. Links are also found between his earlier works and the current formulation of the issues of new social stratification, globalisation, the new society of risk and new forms of individualisation. The second part of the paper tackles the basic terms and theses of third-way theory. The term globalisation and its social consequences are analysed. Globalisation cannot be reduced merely to its economic and political aspects, since its consequences are evidently social. A new definition of democracy and the new role of civil society in making democracy more dynamic are also discussed. Attention is also directed to the significance of social partnership in the activities of a modern state and in the process of individualisation. It is the author's opinion that in defining the term the third way there is a re-conceptualisation of political priorities. He points out that political priorities are changing and that the third way recognises the utterly practical and positive consequences of neo-liberal reforms and does not wish to waive these achievements, but also shows sensitivity to its social consequences. The author believes that both liberalism and social democracy are emerging from the crises in the meaning and aims of their political philosophy by redirecting their movements and political starting points in line with the new phenomena of the contemporary world. In recognising the new signs of the times, the new problems and the problems of the future, the new and invigorating political programmes, it is seen there are more similarities than differences between the liberals and the social democrats. Both re-conceptualise in a similar manner the changes in the modern world: they see globalisation as positive and they stimulate free trade, they regard individualisation as inevitable and desirable. They both support the emancipation of women and the freedom of individual choice, democratisation, regard ideology as a dogmatic burden, look for ways to come closer to a civil society and think of (both state and party) bureaucracy as negative and a thing of the past.

Ključne riječi

third way; liberalism; social democracy; globalisation; individualisation; partnership; Blair; Giddens; neue mitte

Hrčak ID:

30019

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/30019

Datum izdavanja:

1.2.2000.

Podaci na drugim jezicima: hrvatski

Posjeta: 3.483 *