Social Service Reform in the Postcommunist State : Decentralization in Poland

In This Detailed Study, Janelle A. Kerlin Demonstrates How And Why Reforms, Intended To Improve Services And Increase Citizen Participation In Social Service Programming, Largely Failed To Meet Expected Goals. The Politics Of Reform Development - Including Political Deals, Exclusionary Tactics, And Hidden Maneuvering By Polish Policymakers - Prevented Any Significant Upgrade Of Services Or Real Change In Decision-making Structures. Kerlin Uses Focused Interviews With Leading Reform Actors And A Nationwide Representative Survey Of Two Hundred Public Social Service Institutions To Develop A Model That Connects The Politics Of The Decentralization Process With Social Service Outcomes. Not Only Students Of The Former Soviet Bloc But Also Those Interested In The Links Between Politics And Policy Outcomes More Broadly Will Find In This Volume An Informative And Instructive Case Study That Has Far-reaching Implications.--book Jacket.title Summary Field Provided By Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved