First published in 1989, United Kingdom? examines the three main divisions in British society in the post-war period: class, race and gender. During the 1980s there was an increasing concern about deep, and often bitter, divisions in British society. Events such as the miners’ strike of 1984-5, the riots in Handsworth, Tottenham and Brixton, and the women’s peace camp at Greenham Common all demonstrated the opposing views and cultures of the British public. However, the UK at the time was also able to show remarkable and continuing stability in other areas.

This book considers to what extent the United Kingdom really was a kingdom united from the post-war period to the late 1980s. It focuses on issues of cohesion and conflict and debates the security of essential social stability.

Contents

1. Introduction: Forces of conflict Part I: Class 2. Reform and reaction 3. Two gears of class 4. The mechanics of non-change Part II: Race 5. The solution that started a problem 6. Making sense of racism 7. A quiet fire Part III: Gender 9. Out of the ideal home 9. Shaping moulds 10. The feminist solution 11. Conclusion: Potential and prohibition; References and Bibliography; Index