Classes and Cultures: England 1918-1951

by Ross McKibbin

This book investigates the ways in which ‘class culture’ characterised English society, and intruded into every aspect of life, during the period from 1918 to the mid-1950s. It demonstrates the influence of social class within the mini ‘cultures’ which together constitute society: families and family life, friends and neighbours, the workplace, schools and colleges, religion, sexuality, sport, music, film, and radio. The book considers the ways in which language was used (both spoken and written) to define one's social grouping, and how far changes occurred to language and culture more generally as a result of increasing American influence. It assesses the role of status and authority in English society, the social significance of the monarchy and the upper classes, the opportunities for social mobility, and the social and ideological foundations of English politics. The book exposes the fundamental structures and belief systems which underpinned English society in the first half of the 20th century.

Genres: History, British Literature, Nonfiction

580 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 1998

Reviews

[C. B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A key text for historians interested in the social, cultural, and political history of this period. Well deserved! It's always insightful, and one is left quite in awe of its breadth. That said, it's obviously not a page turner. Still, I'm sure I'll have it on my mind for some time.

[Malcolm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loathe to use the word monumental because that would make this engaging, readable, history of British class culture seem daunting (and the size of the book does that anyway). This really is excellent – scholarly, impassioned, rigorous. It makes Britain make sense.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative, deeply informative. Dry, very dry.