Thatcherism In The 21st Century

This collection examines the social and cultural legacy of Thatcherism in the 21st century. Drawing upon perspectives from a range of disciplines, it considers how Thatcherism manifests itself today and how we can assess its long-term impact. The book is divided into four sections, which offer different ways of conceptualising and addressing questions of legacy: the ideological impact of Thatcherism on the Conservative Party and on the country; the long-term impact of Thatcherism across different parts of the UK; how Thatcherism has altered social attitudes to everything from welfare spending to Europe; and how popular historical accounts of Thatcherism have become embedded in different parts of contemporary British culture. The essays in this volume draw upon newly available archival materials, oral histories, social attitudes surveys and parliamentary debates to provide a well-rounded perspective on Thatcherism today.

Examining the policies of the Thatcher governments helps us understand the economic and social conditions in Britain today. The book explores Thatcherite policies on the economy, social welfare, housing, education, crime, families, and social inequality, and examines what can be said about the legacy of Thatcherism for the 21st century.

Bachelor Thesis from the year 2011 in the subject Politics - International Politics - Region: Western Europe, University of Exeter (College of Social Sciences and International Studies), course: BA (Hons) Economics & Politics, language: English, abstract: Thatcherism continues to be one of the most contentious approaches in British politics today, just as its figurehead continues to be one of the most divisive figures in British political history. Despite its regard with both shame and pride within the Conservative party, it remains an influential approach to polity today, affecting every government that has followed Mrs Thatcher’s. The philosophy that Thatcher and her closest allies embodied and brought to life between 1979 and 1990 is being exhumed for its values of a smaller state and a stronger, more independent economy following a ruinous financial crisis and critical public examination of national finances. The Keynesian renaissance that took hold at the height of the financial crisis has lost grip and ground to a resurgence in what is essentially a Thatcherite consensus. This dissertation will first explore the key philosophical points of Thatcherism, exemplified during her time in office as Prime Minister. Secondly, it will examine the legacy of Thatcher and how Thatcherism has been an undeniable influence on politics since 1990. Finally, it will examine whether a return to stronger Thatcherite influences on public policy are desirable in light of an on-going economic crisis of British public finances. Britain’s national debt is now over £4 trillion – a staggering amount – with budget deficits of up to £150 billion each year adding to this crippling economic burden. As the economic affairs of Britain and the dire state of public finances are enduring topics of debate in both political and economic circles, the Thatcherite ideals of a small but powerful central government, reducing the prevalence of ‘welfarism’ and increasing the role that the private sector plays in the economy are of great relevance. Ultimately, Thatcher’s legacy is undeniable and has watermarked many areas of public policy in governments that have followed her resignation as Prime Minister in 1990. It is the goal of this dissertation to examine and explore the newfound relevance of Thatcherism as not only a political philosophy, but also as a methodology with which to approach policy making in Britain. Calls for a fundamental rethink in the way that the British economy and the government as a whole is operated are becoming more prominent in many circles and it is likely that looking to the lessons of the past is just as, if not more, prudent than trying to reinvent the wheel of public policy.

Thatcherism produced dramatic changes, both in Britain and abroad. This expanded second edition brings the book up to date and surveys the origins and impact of Thatcherism as a cultural construct and an economic creed.

A woman demonised by the left and sanctified by the right, there has always been a religious undercurrent to discussions of Margaret Thatcher. However, while her Methodist roots are well known, the impact of her faith on her politics is often overlooked. In an attempt to source the origins of Margaret Thatcher's 'conviction politics', Eliza Filby explores how Thatcher's worldview was shaped and guided by the lessons of piety, thrift and the Protestant work ethic learnt in Finkin Street Methodist Church, Grantham, from her lay-preacher father. In doing so, she tells the story of how a Prime Minister steeped in the Nonconformist teachings of her childhood entered Downing Street determined to reinvigorate the nation with these religious values. Filby concludes that this was ultimately a failed crusade. In the end, Thatcher created a country that was not more Christian, but more secular; and not more devout, but entirely consumed by a new religion: capitalism. In upholding the sanctity of the individual, Thatcherism inadvertently signalled the death of Christian Britain. Drawing on previously unpublished archives, interviews and memoirs, Filby examines how the rise of Thatcher was echoed by the rebirth of the Christian right in Britain, both of which were forcefully opposed by the Church of England. Wide-ranging and exhaustively researched, God and Mrs Thatcher offers a truly original perspective on the source and substance of Margaret Thatcher's political values and the role that religion played in the politics of this tumultuous decade.

Horizons -- Planning -- Architecture -- Community -- Consulting -- Housing.

The Anatomy of Thatcherism explains how, for the first time in British history, a prime minister's name has become an 'Ism'—a symbol of a profound social change. Letwin argues that Thatcherism promoted a moral agenda rather than an economic doctrine or a political theory in order to achieve a fundamental realignment in British politics. She introduces a new term—"the vigorous virtues"—to describe what Thatcherites have aimed to cultivate in Individual Britons and In the country as a whole. Her definition of Thatcherism is supported by a detailed analysis of the principal Thatcherite policies and the grounds on which they were advocated and opposed, Inside and outside the Conservative Party. Without departing from a lucid and lively style or resorting to technical jargon. Dr. Letwin explains such innovations as schools opting out, budget holding by GPs, and the creation of the first ever competitive spot market in electricity. Just how did the Thatcherite administrations shape the reform of the unions? How is the Thatcherite attitude to the family connected with Thatcherite policies on schools? Why does mon-etarism appear—wrongly—to be at the heart of Thatcherism? The Anatomy of Thatcherism is a bold and searching book about how Britain changed between 1979 and 1992. It challenges many truisms about British politics, and Is indispensable reading both for those who believe in the future relevance of Thatcherism and for those who want to demolish it. And it will be of particular interest to those con-cerned with the history of British politics, as It shows how Thatcherism both arose out of, and confronted, trends that had per-meated Conservatism for the entire twentieth century.

Thatcher's Grandchildren explores sociological and political issues about childhood that have that have become increasingly significant in the twenty first century within a political landscape framed by neo-liberalism. Issues addressed include child protection and abuse, the media, education and schooling, and poverty.