World Class Britain

This book begins by tracing the sea-change in British politics from the 1970s to the end of the twentieth century. The dominance of market ideology, the decline of social democracy and the 'marketization' of public policy are related to a widespread acceptance of globalization. Contemporary global capitalism is analyzed, not least as to its likely effect on countries such as Britain. New Labour's 'Third Way' is portrayed as reinforcing the apparent inevitability of globalization. In this environment, political and economic alternatives tend to be dismissed fatalistically. Politics is no longer about real choice. The second part of the book, as well as sketching an economic alternative, investigates how political theory and ethical concepts can help us today to re-establish the search for human freedom and a 'balanced' society. Such a vision can appeal to conservatives, liberals and socialists alike. It argues that a political coalition to further such ends is conceivable, if very difficult to organise or maintain. Finally, the 'postmodern' stance of eschewing ethical and political progress is criticized.

Prosperity for All in the Global Economy -- World Class Skills : Final Report

In this wholly original and brilliantly argued book, the author shows that Britons have indeed been preoccupied with class, but in ways that are invariably ignorant and confused.

Moving the academic debate on from its current focus on development to a more nuanced sociological perspective, this fresh research is a collaboration between academics in South Korea and Germany that assesses the factors shaping world-class universities as institutional social systems as well as national cultural treasures. The work explores in detail how WCUs have moved to a central position in policy circles, and how these often ambitious government policies on WCUs have been interpreted and adopted by university administrators and individual professors. The authors provide a wealth of empirical data on universities, both world-class and aiming for WCU status, in a range of polities and continents. They compare strategies for developing WCUs in countries of the East and the West, both developing and developed. Nations featured in the statistical purview include nine countries (Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong SAR). The volume goes further than merely taking a snapshot of the current situation, offering detailed and considered strategies and rationales for institutionalizing and developing WCUs, particularly in Asian countries where Confucian cultural influences accord education the highest priority.

David Cannadine's unique history examines the British preoccupation with class and the different ways the British have thought about their own society. From the eighteenth through the twentieth century, he traces the different ways British society has been viewed, unveiling the different purposes each model has served. This is a social, intellectual and political history and a powerful account of how and why class has shaped British identity.

In June 2016, Great Britain shocked the world, and itself, by voting in favor of pulling out of the European Union. Far from settling a long simmering and increasingly contentious debate within the UK and Europe, the aftermath of the "Brexit" vote sowed only more confusion, uncertainty, and angry debate about the economic, political, and even moral consequences of turning away from Europe and adopting a more protectionist, nationalist stance. That there was no clear plan for moving ahead with an EU exit in the wake of the vote only stoked greater anger and outrage. The debate and arguments rage on and are fully represented in this comprehensive volume, as the future of the UK and Europe hang in the balance.

This is a comprehensive introduction for HE students to the provision, organisation, and governance of sport in the UK. Supported by case study material, it introduces the reader to key government policies, and to the ways in which public, private and voluntary sectors provide sporting opportunities. The book focuses on issues of participation, employment, media coverage and commercialisation, and critically examines them in light of the key themes of equality and diversity. Pedagogical features – learning outcomes and learning activities – help students develop an active approach to the study of sport in the UK.

The British Economy in Transition: From the Old to the New? examines attempts at economic regeneration in areas that have experienced the decline in 'traditional' industry of recent years. The contributors also look at the impact of techno and managerial modernization strategies in industries that have survived, but have had to adapt rapidly to do