The Language of Progressive Politics in Modern Britain [electronic resource] /
Robinson, Emily.author.
This book traces the word ‘progressive’ through modern British history, from the Enlightenment to Brexit. It explores the shifting meanings of this term and the contradictory political projects to which it has been attached. It also places this political language in its cultural context, asking how it relates to ideas about progressive social development, progressive business, and progressive rock music. ‘Progressive’ is often associated with a centre-left political tradition, but this book shows that this was only ever one use of the term – and one that was heavily contested even from its inception. The power of the term ‘progressive’ is that it appears to anticipate the future. This can be politically and culturally valuable, but it is also dangerous. The suggestion that there is only one way forward has led to fear and doubt, anger and apathy, even amongst those who would like to consider themselves ‘progressive people’.
Includes bibliographical references at the end of each chapters and index.
Acknowledgements -- List of abbreviations -- Chapter 1. Introduction: Being Progressive -- Chapter 2. Two Natural and Inevitable Parties? -- Chapter 3. Municipal Enterprise: Contesting the Liberal Tradition -- Chapter 4. The Pageant of Parliament: Politics in the Age of Modernism -- Chapter 5. Puzzled People: Making Sense of Modernity -- Chapter 6. Party Games: Realignments and Revisionism -- Chapter 7. The Rhetoric of Change: Modernisation and its Discontents -- Chapter 8. Conclusion: The Consequences of Progressive Thinking -- Bibliography .
This book traces the word ‘progressive’ through modern British history, from the Enlightenment to Brexit. It explores the shifting meanings of this term and the contradictory political projects to which it has been attached. It also places this political language in its cultural context, asking how it relates to ideas about progressive social development, progressive business, and progressive rock music. ‘Progressive’ is often associated with a centre-left political tradition, but this book shows that this was only ever one use of the term – and one that was heavily contested even from its inception. The power of the term ‘progressive’ is that it appears to anticipate the future. This can be politically and culturally valuable, but it is also dangerous. The suggestion that there is only one way forward has led to fear and doubt, anger and apathy, even amongst those who would like to consider themselves ‘progressive people’.
Great Britain—History.
Civilization—History.
World politics.
Europe—History—1492-.
Great Britain—Politics and government.
History of Britain and Ireland.
Cultural History.
Political History.
History of Modern Europe.
British Politics.