The New Egalitarianism

by Giddens, Anthony; Diamond, Patrick

• ISBN13: 9780745634302
• ISBN10: 0745634303
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-08-05
• Publisher: Polity

Summary

This book tackles one of the most pressing issues currently facing centre-left governments: social inequality. At a time when the traditional mechanisms of social cohesion have been undermined by greater individualism, the globalization of production, and the fragmentation of social life, the challenges posed by inequality are more pronounced than ever before. As communities and cultures become more complex, social solidarity and social justice can increasingly seem like impossible ideals. Bringing together original contributions from globally renowned thinkers such as Gosta Esping-Andersen, Saskia Sassen, Ulrich Beck and Anthony Giddens, as well as senior New Labour figures, the book offers a coherent account of the dynamic and multi-faceted nature of contemporary inequality, and lays out how these inequalities can be countered. Drawing on a wide range of evidence, and the experiences of governments worldwide, it proposes a fresh agenda for social change. The Editors propose a 'new egalitarianism' - an approach to equality consistent with the demands of a post-modern economy and society. The book shows that there is a viable future for a left-of-centre politics anchored in egalitarian values, but that it requires a break with some core assumptions of the past. The New Egalitarianism will be essential reading for anyone concerned about social inequality, and the future of democratic politics.

Author Biography

Anthony Giddens is the former Director of the London School of Economics and Political Science.


Patrick Diamond is a Special Adviser in the Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street.

Table of Contents

About the Contributors

Acknowledgements

Editor's Introduction

Inequality of Incomes and Opportunities

Does Inequality Matter

Inequality in the New Knowledge Economy

Opportunity and Life Chances: the Dynamics of Poverty

Where are the poor? The changing Patterns of Inequality and the Impact of Attempts to Reduce It

The New Egalitarianism: Economic Inequality in the UK

Inequality and Recognition; Pan-European social conflicts and their political dynamic

New Global Classes: Implications for Politics

Britain's Glue: the Case for Liberal Nationalism

Why gender equality?

Social Corrosion, Inequality and Health

Inequality, Choice and Public Services

Notes

Index

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