A Survey of the United Kingdom
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B Survey about the Population/ Development from 1801- 1999
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C Common features/ Reasons for development
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D Society
Contemporary British society is characterized by two dominant factors:
(1) traditional nation of Britain as a class-ridden society which is still the outstanding feature of British society
(2) more recent development of Britain from an Anglo- Saxon into a multi- racial society
(-> as a mirror of Britain’s imperial past)
(1):Historical aspects, which lead to the development of a class- ridden society Reasons for class distinctions and class consciousness can be traced back to the 19 th century:
a) Industrial Revolution -> Britain became the first industrial nation in the world
-> capitalists ( landowners, factory- owners)
-> mercantile middle class
-> proletariat ( industrial working- class; factory workers/ miners; no land + money)
moreover: -> destruction of the structure in villages
-> “creation” of new cities without infrastructure
-> great differences in the social system
b) II World War
-> decisive cut in the traditional concept of society ( common war experience, rationing of food after the war -> more egalitarian view of society)
c) Post- war
-> class differences were less obvious and social mobility ( movement from one class to the other) has become a characteristic aspect of contemporary Britain
d) Today
-> “class” has never disappeared and has remained fundamental to stratification (gesellschaftl. Schichtung); class redestribution ( Umverteilung der gesellschaftl. Schichten) has not taken place;
-> Britain is nowadays more socially divided than ever before; “steps”, that were taken to prevent this development failed ( e.g. 1945: reforms in the educational and school system)
-> people from the upper class don’t have as high promotion prospects as people from higher classes
Differences in social “background” and language
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”Classes”
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(2): Multi- racial/cultural society -> table and foil
Background:
- immigration started far back to the 16th century (e.g. Jews,..)
- important role for the development : colonial policies
- main stream of immigrants started in the 1950’s (-> indian subcontinent)
Positive aspects for Britain’s industry:
- cheap workers for manual and dirty work ( steel industry, transportation)
Development:
- many “waves” of immigrants, often bec. of politically persecution
- number of immigrants of former colonies is sinking (-> laws !)
Nationality Acts: ( attempts to deal with immigration and discrimination)
- 1914: Imperial Act. anyone born in the British Empire is a natural- born British
- 1948: British Nationality Act: condemn immigration; no difference between British residents and residents of the Commonwealth
- 1981: British Nationality Act: national status is subdivided into three groups
-> immigration rate dropped
Racial Problems:
- prejudices
- social discrimination
-> 1976: Race Relations Act: to stop racial discrimination and to help integration
Examples of ethnic minorities.
- life in common:
high unemployment low education
life in “ghettos” low wages
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A Percentage of the population in the UK ( Mid-1999 UK Population Estimates)
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B Development from 1801- 1999
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- urbanization: -> shifting from big cities into satellite towns and suburbs
-> danger of desolation of the city centre
C Society
Contemporary British society is typified by two prevalent factors:
(1) traditional notion of Britain as a class-ridden society which is still the outstanding feature of British society
(2) more recent development of Britain from an Anglo- Saxon into a multi- racial society ( mirror of Britain’s imperial past)
(1):Historical aspects, which lead to the development of a class- ridden society can be t raced back to the 19th century:
a) Industrial Revolution -> Britain became the first industrial nation in the world nation was split up into:
-> capitalists ( landowners, factory- owners)
-> mercantile middle class
-> proletariat ( industrial working- class; factory workers/ miners; no land + money)
moreover: -> destruction of the structure in villages
-> “creation” of new cities without infrastructure
-> great differences in the social system
b) World War II and Post-war
-> decisive cut in the traditional concept of society ( common war experience, rationing of food after the war -> more egalitarian view of society)
-> class differences were less obvious and social mobility ( movement from one class to the other) has become a characteristic aspect of contemporary Britain
c) Today
-> “class” has never disappeared and has remained fundamental to stratification (gesellschaftliche Schichtung); class redestribution ( Umverteilung der gesellschaftlichen Schichten) has not taken place;
-> Britain is nowadays more socially divided than ever before; “steps”, that were taken to prevent this development failed ( e.g. 1945: reforms in the educational and school system)
-> people from the lower class don’t have as high promotion prospects as people from higher classes
-> number of homeless people is rising
Differences in social “background” and language
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”Classes”
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(2): Multi- racial/cultural society
Background:
- immigration started far back to the 16th century (e.g. Jews, Irish, French)
- 20th century: Jews from Germany
- after World War II: immigrants from British colonies
- main stream of immigration started in the 1950’s: West Indies (especially from Jamaica) and Indian Subcontinent -> cheap workers for manual and dirty work (steel industry, transportation, National Health Service)
- immigration in the ‘80s: especially from Iran (-> politically persecution)
Development:
- many “waves” of immigrants, often because of political persecution, economic differences
- number of immigrants of former colonies is dropping (-> laws !)
Nationality Acts: ( attempts to deal with immigration and discrimination)
- 1914: Imperial Act: anyone born in the British Empire is a natural- born British
- 1948: British Nationality Act: no differences between British residents and residents of the Commonwealth
- 1962: Commonwealth Immigrants Act
- 1971: Immigration Act
- 1981: British Nationality Act: national status is subdivided into three groups ( British, Dependent Territory Cit., British Overseas Citizens)
-> immigration rate dropped
Racial Problems:
- racial prejudices and social discrimination
-> 1968: Race Relations Act: incitement to racial hatred is culpable
1976: Race Relations Act: to stop racial discrimination and to help integration
Examples of ethnic minorities.
- life in common: high unemployment low education life in “ghettos” low wages
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Frequently asked questions
What is "A Survey of the United Kingdom" about?
It appears to be an overview of the United Kingdom, specifically focusing on population development from 1801-1999, common features of development, and societal aspects.
What are the main characteristics of contemporary British society as described in the text?
Contemporary British society is characterized by two dominant factors: the traditional concept of Britain as a class-ridden society, and the more recent development of Britain into a multi-racial/cultural society.
What historical factors contributed to the development of a class-ridden society in Britain?
The Industrial Revolution, World War II, and post-war developments are cited as significant historical factors. The Industrial Revolution led to the emergence of capitalists, a mercantile middle class, and a proletariat, creating significant social and economic disparities. World War II led to a more egalitarian view of society, but class differences persisted. Reforms aimed at addressing class divisions were not entirely successful.
What does the text say about social mobility in Britain?
The text indicates that social mobility became a characteristic aspect of contemporary Britain after World War II. However, class has never disappeared and remained fundamental to stratification. It also says that people from lower classes do not have as high promotion prospects as people from higher classes.
What is the background of the multi-racial/cultural society in Britain?
Immigration to Britain started in the 16th century, but a main stream of immigration started in the 1950s, particularly from the Indian subcontinent. Colonial policies played an important role. These immigrants often took on manual and dirty work in industries such as steel and transportation. Immigration also happened because of political persecution.
What are some of the Nationality Acts mentioned in the text, and what were their purposes?
The text mentions several Nationality Acts, including:
- 1914: Imperial Act: anyone born in the British Empire is a natural- born British
- 1948: British Nationality Act: no difference between British residents and residents of the Commonwealth.
- 1962: Commonwealth Immigrants Act
- 1971: Immigration Act
- 1981: British Nationality Act: subdivided national status into three groups.
What racial problems are mentioned in the text?
The text mentions prejudices and social discrimination as racial problems. Racial Relations Acts were enacted in the attempt to stop racial discrimination and help integration.
What are some common issues faced by ethnic minorities, according to the text?
Ethnic minorities often face high unemployment, low education, life in "ghettos," and low wages.
What does the text say about urbanization in the UK?
The text mentions urbanization and shifting from big cities into satellite towns and suburbs, which led to the desolation of the city center.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Janine Rohde (Autor:in), 2000, Population Structure of the UK, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/103107
