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ladymirkwood's review
5.0
In a world where we have recently seen economic collapse and the formation of the 'Occupy 'movement, Owen Jones' 'Chavs' is at it's most relevant. As the rich-poor wealth gap grows, there is a global feeling of disfranchisment among the 99%, and with the United Kingdom being one of the most unequal countries in the West, questions are being raised as to why this is happening.
In the course of addressing the complex issues surrounding the current crisis, Jones places much emphasis on the policies of the Thatcher government. 'Chavs' marks the de-industrialization of Britain during the 1980's as a seminal moment in the dissolution of the traditional working class community, combined Thatchers ideological campaign of eradicating Class and collective struggle in favour of a more individualistic, consumer based population. Jones' methodical approach to statistics and research makes for compelling evidence for this argument, while demonstrating the effects Thatchers policies on Mining and industrial communities at the time, and how those policies blight them still.
Whilst there is no doubt this is a book firmly of Left Wing politics, Tony Blair and New Labour come under scrutiny for their continuation of Thatcherite policies, and their transition from party of the Working classes to the guardians of the Middle classes. 'Chavs' also charges New labour with establishing the United Kingdom as a 'Meritocracy', using a form of Social Darwinism to blame the poor and unemployed for their lot in life, as under Tony Blair it was personal inadequacy, rather than social inequality that was to blame. Even the stark facts that substandard schooling, housing and healthcare have drastically stacked the dice against the Lower Classes, have been dismissed by Blairs cabinet, and now under the currrent Coalition government.
'Chavs' really is a clarion call for action and for change. As the facts stand, the Rich cost society far more in unpaid taxes than the supposed rampant menace of Benefit fraud. The coalition continues to give corporations increasing large tax breaks, while VAT rises and those with the lowest incomes foot the bill for the Bankers greed. This picture is being played out again and again throughout the world. It highlights the fact that Globalization is only making a select few rich, while the majority gets poorer, and as Jones' states, this race to the bottom cannot continue.
This is not just about the UK, it is a portrait of injustice that has gone unchecked for far too long.
In the course of addressing the complex issues surrounding the current crisis, Jones places much emphasis on the policies of the Thatcher government. 'Chavs' marks the de-industrialization of Britain during the 1980's as a seminal moment in the dissolution of the traditional working class community, combined Thatchers ideological campaign of eradicating Class and collective struggle in favour of a more individualistic, consumer based population. Jones' methodical approach to statistics and research makes for compelling evidence for this argument, while demonstrating the effects Thatchers policies on Mining and industrial communities at the time, and how those policies blight them still.
Whilst there is no doubt this is a book firmly of Left Wing politics, Tony Blair and New Labour come under scrutiny for their continuation of Thatcherite policies, and their transition from party of the Working classes to the guardians of the Middle classes. 'Chavs' also charges New labour with establishing the United Kingdom as a 'Meritocracy', using a form of Social Darwinism to blame the poor and unemployed for their lot in life, as under Tony Blair it was personal inadequacy, rather than social inequality that was to blame. Even the stark facts that substandard schooling, housing and healthcare have drastically stacked the dice against the Lower Classes, have been dismissed by Blairs cabinet, and now under the currrent Coalition government.
'Chavs' really is a clarion call for action and for change. As the facts stand, the Rich cost society far more in unpaid taxes than the supposed rampant menace of Benefit fraud. The coalition continues to give corporations increasing large tax breaks, while VAT rises and those with the lowest incomes foot the bill for the Bankers greed. This picture is being played out again and again throughout the world. It highlights the fact that Globalization is only making a select few rich, while the majority gets poorer, and as Jones' states, this race to the bottom cannot continue.
This is not just about the UK, it is a portrait of injustice that has gone unchecked for far too long.
stephibabes's review against another edition
5.0
This book is so well argued and documented it has to be one of my favourite popular political books ever. The tracking and discussion of the history of political, social and ideological change (or not, in the case of the sustaining of an insidious neoliberal rhetoric by all mainstream political parties) completely rings true and gives me sustenance to many of points of view I've held for a long time. If I was to be really picky, and coming from an academic background, I would have liked to have potentially seen an clear definition of what is meant by class in 21st century Britain.
But overall, an absolutely seminal read for anyone!
But overall, an absolutely seminal read for anyone!