商品簡介
A major European power, a leading voice in world affairs, birthplace of the parliamentary system, the pioneer of industrialization, and a dominating influence on Western culture, British society has shaped the world and continues to do so, even as today it finds itself adapting to a new globalized order. In this completely revised and updated second edition of Contemporary Britain. best-selling author John McCormick provides an authoritative and thought-provoking introduction to British society, geography, politics and culture. discussing the evolution of economic and social policy, and Britain s new place in Europe and the world. Its major theme is change and the often dramatic upheavals that Britain has undergone, from reconstruction after the Second World War through the legacies of Thatcher and Blair to today s challenges of multiculturalism and integration with the rest of Europe. Rejecting the thesis of decline, it argues that Britain has become a more successful society whose citizens are looking less at the past and more at present challenges and future possibilities. Assuming no prior knowledge and illustrated throughout with figures and tables, boxes focusing on key issues, and an extensive guide to further reading and relevant websites. Contemporary Britain is the ideal starting point for students and interested general readers alike.
目次
List of Illustrations, Maps, Figures, Tables and Boxes Preface and Acknowledgments List of Abbreviations Introduction 1 The Historical Context The Emergence of the British State Postwar Adjustment, 1945-79 The Thatcher Revolution, 1979-90 Blair and Beyond 2 Land and People The Geography of Britain Natural Resources The Environment The People of Britain Nationalism and Regionalism Immigration and Race 3 The Social System Social Class The Changing Family Social Services and Health Care Education Law and Order 4 Government and the Political System Principles of Government The Constitution The Monarchy Prime Minister and Cabinet Parliament The Judiciary The Bureaucracy Local Government 5 Politics and Civil Society Political Culture Elections Political Parties Interest Groups 6 The Media The Economy The Structure of the Economy From Hands-off to Hands-on, and Back Again Britain in the International System The Economic Implications of Europe 7 Culture and Lifestyle Culture The Identity of Britain The Arts Sports and Leisure Religion 8 Britain and the World The Changing British Role in the World The Commonwealth The Atlantic Alliance Britain and the European Union The Changing Role of the British Military Conclusions Recommended Reading Britain Online Bibliography
