British civilization - John Oakland

"British Civilization" provides a comprehensive introduction to contemporary British society including the law, local and central government, education and the media, as well as discussing the country, its people and their attitudes. This second edition has been extensively revised to supply up-to-date information and analysis of recent developments in Britain up to the end of the Thatcher era. The book stresses that Britain is a complex and dynamic society constantly evolving as new problems and situations arise - unemployment, social mobility, industrial decline and technological growth. But co-existent with the change to a multi-cultural society is an institutionalized conservatism, and the inherent tension between the two can produce difficulties of adaptation and progress. Britain's institutions may need further reform as they face up to the pressures of a post-industrial society.;This book should be of interest to students and teachers of British history, politics and culture and to students of English as a foreign language.