As a young researcher trying to understand the British media’s obsession with social security “scroungers” in the 1970s I came to appreciate the invaluable answers that the Guardian journalist Malcolm Dean gave to my endless questions. He was a crucial resource in my studies, later published in book form as Images of Welfare (1982).
Over subsequent years we had frequent conversations, many of which surfaced, I’m sure, as “academics are saying …” inserts into his social policy leaders.
His own book, Democracy Under Attack (2011), was an informed insider discussion of the ways social policy matters reached public awareness through the media. His experience, knowledge and insight are much missed, and his generous contribution to my own understanding will always be deeply valued.
