When the State Meets the Street

When the State Meets the Street explores the intricate moral landscape navigated daily by street-level bureaucrats. In this compelling work, Bernardo Zacka draws on his ethnographic insights - including firsthand experience in an urban antipoverty agency - to shed light on the ethical quandaries faced by the social workers, police officers, and educators who form the human interface between the state and its citizens. Although often viewed as mere enforcers of policy, these individuals exercise considerable discretion that can profoundly shape people's lives. Zacka argues that while public policy is founded on established rules and regulations, its real-world impact is determined by the nuanced judgments of those implementing it. Confronted by challenging conditions, these public servants frequently simplify complex responsibilities, risking a diminished moral sensitivity in a multifaceted societal context. When the State Meets the Street invites readers to reexamine democratic governance from the grassroots level, urging a thoughtful balance between policy ideals and the practicalities of human engagement.