The Context of British Politics - David Coates

First published in 1984, The Context of British Politics is a comprehensive introductory text on British politics which takes a radically different approach from that of standard institutional texts. The author argues that in order to grasp the full significance of contemporary British politics, it is vital that students understand the social, economic and global context in which it operates. He guides the reader systematically through a range of social and economic factors, tracing the origins of political issues, the distribution of political resources, the character of political groups and the nature of dominant political beliefs and factions.

The book provides a clear and highly readable introduction to the capitalist world economy, to the weakness of British industrial capital, the political influence of labour and capital, and to the political impact of social inequality, gender discrimination and racial tension on modern Britain. It uses this material to explain the nature of the contemporary crisis of both major parties, and of the state. This book is a must read for students of British politics.