Demos is a think-tank focused on power and politics. Our unique approach challenges the traditional, 'ivory tower' model of policymaking by giving a voice to people and communities. We work together with the groups and individuals who are the focus of our research, including them in citizens’ juries, deliberative workshops, focus groups and ethnographic research.
Through our high quality and socially responsible research, Demos has established itself as the leading independent think tank in British politics. Our work is driven by the goal of a society populated by free, capable, secure and powerful citizens.
In 2010, our work is focused on five themes:
Family and Society
With a focus on how public policy can be better designed to give people and families more power over their lives, this programme brings together research into parenting, ageing and the impact of social change on young people. Our projects are based on expert analysis of trends, innovative research methods and a progressive vision of social change.
Violence and Extremism
The last decade has seen a growth in a range of extremist and violent behaviours. At the top end of this spectrum there is a growing incidence of gang membership, gun and knife crime, religious and political radicalism, and violence motivated by intolerance of others. Our work on violence and extremism seeks to understand what drives such behaviour.
Public Interest
Decades of policymaking framed around consumer choice and economic growth have left policy makers without an effective language to counterbalance private and public interests. Our work in this area focuses on how to understand the public interest dimensions of decision making and the implications this has for relationships between the state, citizens, business and civil society.
Political Economy
In the wake of the financial crisis, government has the opportunity to examine the type of economy we want to have and how it impacts on the way we live our lives. Our work on political economy will inform the policy development of all political parties as they seek to put forward policies to restructure the economy.
Public Finance
A new Coalition Government is now facing some of the most significant public finance challenges of postwar Britain. Our work on public finance will interrogate how the radical fiscal action needed to rebalance the budget can be undertaken without damaging progressive goals and the core functions of the state.
Political Ideas
Alongside and connected with the five core research themes, Demos has two political projects focused on renewing the ideas within political traditions.
The Progressive Conservatism Project
The Progressive Conservatism Project looks at how progressive ends can be achieved using Conservative means. The Project develops policies and ideas that are firmly rooted in the conservative tradition but also reflect the progressive values of personal and community empowerment, combating poverty and tackling inequality.
Open Left is about rediscovering the Left’s idealism, pluralism and appetite for radical ideas. We want to hear views and ideas from across the family of the Left, whether people identify with a political party or not. We welcome debate about political values and goal, and don’t presume to have a monopoly of knowledge about how to bring about effective and enduring change.