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21st Century Standpoints

Series editors:  Les Back, University of Glasgow, Nasar Meer, University of Edinburgh and Mónica G Moreno Figueroa, University of Cambridge

Accessible, social and political commentary from Policy Press and the British Sociological Association.

21st Century Standpoints series showcases lively, disruptive, progressive writers – established and emerging – who reach beyond the academy. Cosmopolitan in vision and scope, included works are based on striking ideas and robust evidence, providing a powerful platform for both scholarly and public debate. Bringing pressing public issues to the general reader, scholars and students these books offer standpoints to shape public conversations at this time of social, political, economic and cultural disruption. They move beyond simple critique to propose better ways of understanding, and living in, our world.

For more information, please contact: Les Back, les.back@glasgow.ac.ukNasar Meer,  and Mónica Moreno Figueroa, mm2051@cam.ac.uk.

Our 21st Century Standpoints series is also available on our Amazon Store.

Showing 1-8 of 8 items.

Healthy Societies

Policy, Practice and Obstacles

Re-examining health, healthcare and societal health using the latest data and research, this book addresses definitions of health, changes in health over time and the contribution of healthcare. It also suggests ways of effectively tackling obstacles to improving health and healthcare in 21st century Britain.

Policy Press

The Cruel Optimism of Racial Justice

Looking at examples across anti-racist movements and developments in nationhood/nationalism, institutional racism, migration, white supremacy and the disparities of COVID-19, Nasar Meer argues for the need to move on from perpetual crisis in racial justice to a turning point that might change deep-seated systems of racism.

Policy Press

Race, Taste, Class and Cars

Cars transmit and modify our identities behind the wheel. As a symbol of independence and freedom, the car projects status, class, taste and, significantly, embeds racialisation. Using fascinating research from drivers, Alam unpicks the ways in which our identity is enhanced and driven.

Policy Press

Money

Myths, Truths and Alternatives

Mary Mellor examines money’s social, political and commercial histories to debunk longstanding myths such as money being in short supply and needing to come from somewhere. She sets out a new finance system, based on green and feminist concerns, to bring radical change for social good.

Policy Press

What’s Wrong with Work?

What’s wrong with work shows that how workers are treated has wide implications beyond the lives of workers themselves.

Recognising gender, race, class and global differences, the book considers the ways formal work is often dependent on informal work and concludes by considering what might make work better.

Policy Press

Snobbery

Snobbery matters because it is the way in which social divisions are built. In these times of growing social inequality, snobbery is becoming ever more pertinent. This book draws on literature, popular culture and autobiography as well as sociology and history to take a fresh and engaging look at this key social and cultural issue.

Policy Press

Making Sense of Brexit

Democracy, Europe and Uncertain Futures

What can we learn about our society and the need to listen to each other in order to make sense of Brexit within a wider world? This accessible book addresses the causes and implications of Brexit, exploring the anger against political elites as people felt estranged from a political process that no longer expressed their will.

Policy Press

Miseducation

Inequality, Education and the Working Classes

This book brings Brian Jackson and Dennis Marsden’s pioneering Education and the Working Class from 1962 up to date for the 21st century and reveals what we can do to achieve a fairer education system.

Policy Press