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An Introduction to UK Politics
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An Introduction to UK Politics
Place, Pluralism, and Identities

Edited by:


April 2024 | 416 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

A bold and unique introduction to UK Politics. This is the first textbook which breaks free from the conventional approaches that revolve around the Westminster bubble, instead drawing upon the diverse challenges facing citizens and decision-makers today. Leading experts are brought together in this carefully edited collection that spans traditional and critical approaches. Politics in the UK highlights central concerns facing British politics today, from ongoing colonial legacies to Britain’s inequality and the impact of decades of austerity. Spotlighted throughout are timely examples and latest research, drawing on topics spanning policy responses to climate change and the role of social class in educational outcomes; to the latest calls for increased devolution and shifting public opinion on UK Foreign Policy.

This textbook is packed with features, including:

·       Case Studies to encourage critical thinking by presenting different perspectives on key events.

·       Theory Boxes which explore concepts in action.

·       Spotlight on Research showcases seminal and controversial publications to spark debate.

·       Annotated Reading Lists guide students to further readings.

Unique to this text is a central focus on the role identities and inequalities play in contemporary British Politics. It offers students the tools to conduct analysis into the shifting dynamics in this major new action-focussed, problem-based, and engaging introduction. And centrally, the book offers a compelling call to action – that is how we all have the capacity to shape British politics every day.

Politics in the UK is essential reading for any undergraduate student studying UK or British Politics.

Joanie Willett – Associate Professor in Politics, University of Exeter, UK

Arianna Giovannini – Associate Professor in Local Politics and Public Policy, De Montfort University, UK


 
Part 1: Foundations
 
1 Power, Pluralism, And Politics in the UK
 
2 The UK as a Multi-National State: contested histories, state-formation and constitutional settlement
 
3 The Global History of the UK: Colonialism and Decolonisation
 
4 Class and gender as structural inequalities in the UK: The politics of production and social reproduction
 
Part 2: Institutions
 
5 Creating Political Change: From the (Informal) Politics of the Everyday to Formal Politics.
 
6 Devolution, Sub-national Governance and Inequalities
 
7 Do British Political Parties Reflect British Pluralism?
 
8 Elections, Referenda and Public Opinion
 
9 Place, Pluralism and the Media: Who Tells Us About Political Affairs?
 
10 The Legislature
 
11 The Executive
 
Part 3: Big Questions
 
12 An Economy for all?
 
13 UK environment and climate change politics
 
14 Britain in the world

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Paperback
ISBN: 9781529602890
$50.00

Hardcover
ISBN: 9781529602906
$136.00