BOOK REVIEW

Chavs: The Demonization of the Working Class



Chavs: The Demonization of the Working Class

Introduction

“Chavs; The Demonization of The Working Class” is an excellent book written by Owen Jones. This book highlights the condition of the working class in the modern time in Britain which is the symbol of fear and ridicule in the society (Jones, 2011). This book also highlights the hatred and class conflict in the society (Jones, 2011). After the industrial revolution, working class was enjoying better condition and social privileges, but with the passage of time, this class also begin to suffer and it resulted in the downfall. Technological, economic changes and worst impact of World War II resulted in the sufferings and crisis of the working class (Jones, 2011). These crises resulted in the unemployment, violence, exploitation of the working class and increase in crime rates. Jones in this book focused on factors and consequences of the demonization of the working class. He also presented a chart for the explanation of the political demonization during late twentieth century and sufferings of the working class due to the collapse in manufacturing works (Jones, 2011). Jones also discussed a number of different aspects, which are very significant in revealing the true condition of the social, political and economic conditions since the twentieth century till modern time.

Thesis Statement

“Chavs; The Demonization of The Working Class” is an excellent representation of the economic, social and political condition of Britain for the working class.

Discussion

Chapter Outline and Brief Overview

The book consists of eight chapters; each chapter discusses a case study and highlights the effects and consequences in the chronological order. At the end, there is conclusion and important notes. After a brief introduction, first chapter is about the case of Shannon Mathews. Chapter two is about the class conflicts and other such issues under the heading of “class warriors”. In his third chapter, Jones discusses the politicians as comparison with the “Chavs” (Jones, 2011). Chapter four and five further elaborates the class conflicts and middle class issues. Chapter six deal with the rigidity of social norms and conditions, while chapter seven is the case study of “Broken Britain” a historical perspective. Last chapter is about the “Backlash” of the increase in immigrants and political and legal perspectives. In this book, Jones highlights a number of different aspects for the condition of power and existence about the working class influences. Jones in this book focused on the demonization since the time of Britain's Vicky Pollard to Jade Goody (Jones, 2011). Jones also highlighted the reasons and effect of the riots in summer 2010 (Jones, 2011).

Class Conflicts due to Industrialization and Capitalism

Karl Marx viewed industrialization as the main reason for the capitalism, and this resulted in the class conflict. It was mainly based on the capitalist system and industries owned by private individuals. One was the bourgeoisie class who controlled the labours and other are working class the labours, working on wages. Jones in his book highlights the Karl Marx capitalism theory and concept ...