Description
That people should be treated as equals is one of the core principles that underpin our society.
Philosophers and social theorists have long debated what equality is, and this book probes what this means for both those at the centre and on the margins of society.
Britain is in many ways a fairer and more equal society today than at any other time in living memory. One hundred years ago women were not allowed to vote: this seems preposterous now. It is an undeniable truth, however, that inequalities still persist today. In some cases they seem to grow. Prejudice is apparent in everyday life, and flares up from time to time on a national scale. From Brixton to Bradford, history is littered with examples.
This book engages with key issues today, and engages with how far we have come as a society facing up to difficulties of the past and more recent challenges. It goes on to explore ways forward to ensure that we remain an open and tolerant society.
Table of Contents
Foreword by Julia Neuberger \ Introduction by Pat Thane \ 1: Older People \ 2: Race \ 3: Religion and Belief \ 4: Gypsies and Travellers \ 5: Gender \ 6: Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation \ 7: Disability \ Conclusion
Author(s)
Pat Thane,
Pat Thane is Leverhulme Professor of Contemporary British History at the Institute of Historical Research and Director at the Centre for Contemporary British History. Amongst her other books are The Long History of Old Age.
Reviews
"The book should be read by teachers of the social sciences, for whom it is a good source of ideas for essays. One of its strengths is that it will encourage students to examine some of its ideas by doing their own research, using its generous source references and reading lists."
Times Higher Education,