British Civilization: An Introduction

Description

Thoroughly updated and revised, the ninth edition of the highly regarded British Civilization: An Introduction continues to be the ideal textbook on Britain, its country and people, religion, politics and government, international relations, legal system, economy, education, media and culture for students of British studies. Examining central structural features of British society, the book provides an introduction to British civilization that highlights its history of cultural, geographical and human diversity. The book includes: Expanded discussion of Britain’s current political climate and international relations through an examination of the 2016 Brexit referendum, the subsequent general election and Brexit negotiations up to April 2019 Discussion of the ever-shifting economy from a global perspective Opinion polls and surveys that provide an insight into the attitudes of British people to the conditions in which they live and operate today Exercises, questions, and suggestions for further reading and useful websites that stimulate class discussion and provide a springboard upon which students can develop their own independent study. Supported by a companion website (www.routledge.com/cw/oakland), a long-ranging chronology, full-colour illustrations, useful figures, exercises and discussion questions, and suggestions for further reading, it is the perfect introduction to the crucial and complex nature of British civilization, culture and society, past and present. Cover Half Title Title Copyright Contents List of plates List of figures List of tables Preface and acknowledgements Chronology of significant dates in British history 1 The British context Historical growth Structural change Contemporary conditions British attitudes to Britain Exercises Further reading Websites 2 The country Geographical identities Physical features and climate Agriculture, fisheries and forestry Energy resources Transport and communications Attitudes to the environment Exercises Further reading Websites 3 The people Early settlement to ad 1066 Growth and immigration to the twentieth century Immigration from 1900 Ethnic groups in the UK Population movements from 1900 Attitudes to national, ethnic and local identities Exercises Further reading Websites 4 Religion Religious history The Christian tradition The non-Christian tradition Cooperation among the faiths Religion in schools Religious identification Attitudes to religion and morality Exercises Further reading Websites 5 Politics and government Political history Local government and devolution The contemporary British political framework Constitution and monarchy UK Parliament: role, legislation and elections The UK party political system The UK government UK parliamentary control of government Attitudes to politics Exercises Further reading Websites 6 International relations Foreign and defence policy Empire, Commonwealth and Ireland The European Union (EU) Exercises Further reading Websites 7 The legal system Legal history Sources of British law Court structures in England and Wales Civil and criminal procedure in England and Wales Law and order The legal profession Attitudes to the legal system and crime Exercises Further reading Websites 8 The economy Early British economic history The modern economy: policies, structure and performance Social class, the workforce and employment Financial institutions Industrial and commercial institutions Consumer protection Attitudes to the economy Exercises Further reading Websites 9 Social services Social services history Household and family structures Social security (pensions and welfare benefits) The National Health Service (NHS) The personal social services/social care Housing Attitudes to the social services Exercises Further reading Websites 10 Education School history The 1944 Education Act The contemporary state school sector The contemporary independent (fee-paying) school sector School organization and examinations Higher education Further, adult and lifelong education Attitudes to education Exercises Further reading Websites 11 The media The print media The broadcasting media Media ownership and freedom of expression Attitudes to the media Exercises Further reading Websites 12 Leisure, sport and the arts Leisure activities Sport The arts Exercises Further reading Websites Index