You always have to be alert with this Government, whenever it does something about children. The new Children and Adoption Act exemplifies its tendency to reel and rock under populist pressures.
Populism presents itself as common sense - what you think without thinking, the thoughts that come from habits embedded in our culture. Populism always seeks to restore traditional authority, the old order.
The children's agenda has, more often than not, been animated by fear of children, or rather fear of what children might become.
The access/contact arrangements proposed in the legislation, which has just received its second reading, typically respond to pressure from traditional power - men - faced with the radical reform of their position within the family.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
