Synopses & Reviews
Alastair Reid provides a clear guide to debates about the analysis of British social classes and social relations in the second half of the nineteenth century. He distinguishes among the wealth-holding, political power, and cultural influence of the ruling class; he summarizes the recent literature on changes in skills and incomes of different groups within the working classes; and he divides the debate on social relations into distinct emphases on coercion, control and consent.
Synopsis
A clear guide to the debates surrounding British social history between 1850 and 1914.
Synopsis
The analysis of social classes and social relations in the second half of the nineteenth century has caused major debates among social historians. Alastair Reid provides a critical summary of the different approaches to the subject, giving an account of how interpretations have developed since the 1960s, and highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. In conclusion he suggests new ways in which the history of nineteenth-century British society and politics might be approached. A select bibliography allows the reader to pursue the topic in more detail.