Description
Book SynopsisFirst published in 1974, this study of British political culture provides a radical critique of contemporary theories of working class deference and voting patterns. Drawing not only on previously unpublished opinion poll data but also the evidence of his own surveys, the author provides convincing evidence for his reformulation of the deference and civility themes, which he sees in terms of a theory of social order in class stratified societies. Comparative data from other European countries support this approach. The book ends with some incisive comments on the implications of the revised class perspective for comparative political research and future studies of British political culture.
Table of Contents1. Political Culture and Political Explanation 2. Deference, Class and Political Behaviour 3. Civility, Hegemony and Stability 4. Political Parties and Political Culture 5. Dominant Values and Popular Beliefs 6. The Surveys: Their Purpose and Design 7. The Deferential Subject 8. Traditionalism, Social Structure and Voting 9. Traditionalism, Party Loyalties and Political Thought 10. The Structural Location and Social Thought of Traditionals 11. Civic Dispositions and British Political Culture 12. Concluding Remarks
