“New capitalism”, colonisation and the neo-philanthropic turn in social policy

摘要: Purpose – Drawing on the functional structural systems theory of Niklas Luhmann and colonisation social lifeworld advanced by Jurgen Habermas, it is argued that Big Society project in UK about creation an alternative non-state welfare infrastructure linking wealthy donors with opportunities to engage venture philanthropy third sector. The paper aims discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach outlines key features Luhmann's relating autopoiesis coupling illustrate its conceptual strength making process visible. Findings illustrates ways which system imperatives underpinning absorb subordinate public activism narrow market principles forcing sector communicate language rather than caritas. Social implications real implication developments for character voluntary sector...