Chavs: The Demonization of the Working Class
May 2012 · Verso Books
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In modern Britain, the working class has become an object of fear and ridicule. From Little Britain's Vicky Pollard to the demonization of Jade Goody, media and politicians alike dismiss as feckless, criminalized and ignorant a vast, underprivileged swathe of society whose members have become stereotyped by one, hate-filled word: chavs.
In this acclaimed investigation, Owen Jones explores how the working class has gone from "salt of the earth" to "scum of the earth." Exposing the ignorance and prejudice at the heart of the chav caricature, he portrays a far more complex reality. The chav stereotype, he argues, is used by governments as a convenient figleaf to avoid genuine engagement with social and economic problems and to justify widening inequality. Based on a wealth of original research, Chavs is a damning indictment of the media and political establishment and an illuminating, disturbing portrait of inequality and class hatred in modern Britain. This updated edition includes a new chapter exploring the causes and consequences of the UK riots in the summer of 2011.
In this acclaimed investigation, Owen Jones explores how the working class has gone from "salt of the earth" to "scum of the earth." Exposing the ignorance and prejudice at the heart of the chav caricature, he portrays a far more complex reality. The chav stereotype, he argues, is used by governments as a convenient figleaf to avoid genuine engagement with social and economic problems and to justify widening inequality. Based on a wealth of original research, Chavs is a damning indictment of the media and political establishment and an illuminating, disturbing portrait of inequality and class hatred in modern Britain. This updated edition includes a new chapter exploring the causes and consequences of the UK riots in the summer of 2011.
In modern Britain, the working class has become an object of fear and ridicule. From Little Britain's Vicky Pollard to the demonization of Jade Goody, media and politicians alike dismiss as feckless, criminalized and ignorant a vast, underprivileged swathe of society whose members have become ste...
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2 reviews
Steven Clarke
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September 5, 2024
Excellent expose of the backbone of society, of the class we all love to hate, even though most of us have, will be shortly, or know someone that is right now a part of it. Is this the best overview of the contempt and portrayal society has of the working classes since the "ragged trousered phillanthropist"? I doubt it but absolutely essential reading for aspiring social scientists nonetheless.
About the author
Owen Jones is a writer, columnist, commentator and activist. He writes for the Guardian, Independent and New Statesman, appears on television and radio, and is a tireless public speaker. He lives in London.
Owen Jones is a writer, columnist, commentator and activist. He writes for the Guardian, Independent and New Statesman, appears on television and radio, and is a tireless public speaker. He lives in London.
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