Citizens, co-producers, customers, clients, captives? A critical review of consumerism and public services1

Tobias Jung

Public Management Review, 2010, vol. 12, issue 3, 439-446

Abstract: Consumerism and choice have become prominent ideas in the design and delivery of public services. Often perceived as a way to improve the quality and value of public services, potential downsides and areas of concern that relate to a consumerist approach are frequently ignored. This review essay takes a critical stance on the application of a consumerist discourse to public service provision and management by exploring four key areas of concern: definitional problems, questions about the concept's transferability from a private to a public sector setting, the problematic nature of ‘choice’, and difficulties associated with implementing consumerist ideas within public service contexts..

Date: 2010
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DOI: 10.1080/14719031003787940

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Public Management Review is currently edited by Professor Stephen P. Osborne, Jenny Harrow and Tobias Jung

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