Political Narratives and the Language of 'Communitarianism': A comparison of the SNP and Labour Party in Scotland, 1999-2011

Abstract

This thesis argues that the language of communitarianism was evident in the political narratives adopted by the SNP and Labour Party in Scotland during the period 1999 - 2011. It offers a critique of communitarian philosophy and analysis of the primarily implicit role that this branch of political thought played in shaping the ideas, policies and manifestos of both parties during the first twelve yeas in which a measure of legislative and executive power was devolved from London to Edinburgh. It contends that, whilst adopting divergent strategies, each was inspired by communitarian theories; albeit in rather different ways. Both however, took what may be perceived as a 'communitarian turn' in their respective political narratives, in order to cope with the distinct challenges that each faced.