Willetts takes on the nudgers
Peter Hoskin 2:35pm
The Guardian’s interview with David Willetts is a decent preview of the Tories’ forthcoming green paper on family policy, and is neatly summarised by Jonathan Isaby here. Although I have my doubts about some Tory thinking in this area, there are a few encouraging ideas in there – such as relationship guidance schemes modelled on those provided by the Bristol community family trust.
One of the most eye-catching passages of the interview comes when Willetts takes on the “nudgers” in his own party, who are keen on influencing public behaviour but feel that promoting marriage may be a step too far:
“Willetts believes that marriage should be promoted and protected as he expresses exasperation with people who rave about the new "nudge" philosophy, which says people can be gently persuaded to change habits, but who seem wary of speaking up about marriage.This difference in thinking, between the nudgers and those who want to promote marriage, has raised its head before – but seemed to quiet down after it became clear that the Willetts approach was the official party approach. You wonder whether Two Brains is concerned by the recent appointment of Richard Thaler, co-author of Nudge, as a Tory party advisor.‘Given that “nudge” has become such a fashionable theory it seems to me odd that in a world where so many other things nudge behaviour but this great big thing called marriage doesn't nudge behaviour, I think that is a very odd picture of the world indeed. It seems to me pretty clear indeed that it must have some effect on behaviour.’”
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charles hercock
December 23rd, 2009 3:16pm Report this commentLet us promote societal cohesiveness which comes from the stable family unit.We will win this time
John
December 23rd, 2009 3:32pm Report this commentRichard Thaler's co-author is Cass Sunstein. Sunstein is Obama's Regulatory Czar.
I needn't say any more, other than that a vote for Cameron is a vote for Obama. That's how far-left the Conservative Party has become - that they think it's their responsibility to tell you, or "nudge" you, into behaving the "correct" way.
Labour, Lib Dems, "Conservatives", BNP, Greens... they're all big government socialists. Why vote for any of them? Because one is slightly less worse than the other? They're just different shades of the same colour and NONE of them believe in liberty, limited government and personal responsibility.
Dennis Churchill
December 23rd, 2009 4:57pm Report this commentOur current political class bombards us with propagamada,not to mention legislation and Qangos,that are designed to “promote” some politically correct view or behaviour ,why should the Conservatives think:”... that promoting marriage may be a step too far...” ? Are they going to shut down the “Equalities” units and Quangos? Who decides on how we should be “Nudged”?
Ian C
December 23rd, 2009 6:42pm Report this commentIf we 'nudged' our politicians to alot more principled positions and rather less pure pragmatism in attitude and policy, then we might get enthusiastic for them again.
Cameron's fence sitting is just that - avoiding the big fight brought on by principled stands in order to be elected. Understandable, but this is why the deal is not sealed.
Tanuki
December 23rd, 2009 6:47pm Report this commentTo be honest, my instinctive reaction to being 'nudged' [and I rather suspect the same reaction will come from most self-aware members of the UK] is to kick the nudger in the shins.
When governments try to change the people, the correct response os for the people to change the government. The deferential days of "The Man in Whitehall knows best" are thankfully gone. Alas, Cameron and his wet 'one nation conservative' paternalists seem not to have received that particular email.
Holly ......
December 23rd, 2009 9:02pm Report this commentWe don't need 'nudging'. We need a bloody great big shove!!
We no longer live in a society.
We live in a country with millions of individuals all brainwashed into believing what 'they' want is paramount and EVERYONE else WILL respect their wants.
Tim Carpenter LPUK
December 24th, 2009 5:08pm Report this commentThe biggest nudgers of them all are the Fabians.
Nudging left or nudging right, it is still nudging and will eventually lead to legislation and Authoritarian action once patience has run out, enough "critical mass" has been built, "memeset" has taken root or the agenda must "move forward".
If the nudgers were sincere they would neither involve government, nor take its coin (directly or indirectly).
Once the nudgers are faced with the 4-5year election mill, watch how they change their tune.
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