Between Resistance and martyrdom

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Privatization, the transfer of public service responsibilities to the private sector, is a hot topic among policymakers. Advocates envision a streamlined public sector leveraging private markets for service delivery, while opponents fear a weakened government handing crucial services to unreliable entrepreneurs. The potential benefits include reduced government costs and improved service delivery, but risks include threats to equity, quality, and accountability. This collection features distinguished scholars evaluating privatization efforts in the U.S. and abroad across federal, state, and local levels, focusing on education, housing, and law enforcement—areas that highlight the complexities of the privatization debate. Contributors present a range of perspectives, from enthusiastic support to deep skepticism. The volume stems from a 1987 conference at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and includes previously unpublished papers. A notable strength is its exploration of alternative service delivery methods, such as public housing privatization through subsidies, tenant management, or outright sales. The effectiveness of these policies is examined, with international examples like the U.K.'s public housing sales, Australia's private school subsidies, and Japan's law enforcement privatization providing valuable insights. This discussion is relevant not only for public policy scholars but also for practitioners navigating the p