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Governing temptation

Changing behaviour in an age of libertarian paternalism

Bibliographic Data

ID11949088
AuthorsRhys Dafydd Jones (0000-0002-1231-7529, corresponding author), Rhys Jones (0000-0002-2424-3459, Aberystwyth University), Jessica Pykett (0000-0002-0036-9639, Aberystwyth University), Mark Whitehead (0000-0001-6499-4719, Aberystwyth University)
Year2010
Volume35
Issue4
Pages483-501
Publication date2010-11-18
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueProgress in Human Geography (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0309-1325 • E-ISSN: 1477-0288
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/0309132510385741
OpenAlexW2098751064
LanguageEN
Citations received89
References cited44

This paper critically examines new modes of behaviour change promoted by the contemporary British state, providing a critique of libertarian paternalism as an emergent form of government in the UK. We analyse the multivalent principles and mechanisms associated with libertarian paternalism. We consider the contribution of Foucauldian theories of governmentality and psychological power within human geography to a critical analysis of libertarian paternalism. Reflecting on the example of Manual for Streets (DfT, 2007) for re-designing residential roads in the UK, we conclude by explaining why libertarian paternalist policies could lead to the formation of more, or less deliberative public spaces

Economics · Government (linguistics · Governmentality · Law and economics · Libertarianism · Paternalism · Political science · Politics · Positive economics · Power (physics · Sociology · State (computer science · Temptation · Geographies of human-animal interactions · Law · Philosophy · Psychology · Social Psychology · Urban Planning and Governance · Urban, Neighborhood, and Segregation Studies

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Unique citing works89
Citations per year5,93
Citation span2011 - 2025 (15)
Citation velocityrecent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 88
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