%0 Journal Article
%T Governing the Local? A Response to Kevin Stenson
%A Clarke
%A John
%J Social Work and Society
%D 2008
%I Social Work & Society
%X Kevin Stenson¡¯s article offers a powerful argument for examining governmentality in particular local configurations rather than as relatively abstract and text-centred studies of changing mentalities and rationalities of rule. I think this is an important endeavour, partly because more situated analyses of governmentality are necessary to enrich the analytical (and political) significance of the perspective; and partly because the view from governmentality has a capacity to enrich our understandings of governance, policy and practice. Kevin¡¯s own discussion of community safety in the Thames Valley area demonstrates just how much such a situated analysis might add to an understanding of liberal rule in England in the 21st century. Let me highlight four points that I think are absolutely central to that analysis:
%U http://www.socwork.net/2008/1/special_issue/clarke