Big Enough for Everyone?

The UK's coalition government wants to build a "Big Society." The Prime Minister says "we are all in this together" and building it is the responsibility of every citizen as well as every government department. The broad vision is welcome, but everything depends on how the vision is translated into policy and practice. The government aims to put more power and responsibility into the hands of families, groups, networks, neighbourhoods and locally based communities, and to generate more community organisers, neighbourhood groups, volunteers, mutuals, co-operatives, charities, social enterprises and small businesses. David Cameron describes his plans for a "Big Society" as "the biggest, most dramatic redistribution of power" from state to individuals. But how can these groups or networks ensure that the best of the vision is realised and the poor and powerless are not left behind? This article discusses the Big Society idea, the important role of social justice in this effort, and the long-term impacts of this initiative.