Beyond Coal and Steel: A Social History of Western Europe after the Boom

The economic and social foundations of Western Europe underwent an unprecedented transformation in the 1970s, leading to the decline of old industries, job losses, and social problems. Lutz Raphael reconstructs the story of deindustrialization in Western Europe, focusing on Britain, France, and West Germany, with significant rises in productivity and consumerism but also at a heavy cost. Its legacy is still present today.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 404 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2023
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

In the 1970s, a remarkable transformation occurred in the economic and social foundations of Western Europe. Old industries such as coal and steel faced extinction, leading to the loss of millions of jobs and the decline of once-thriving towns and cities. Traditional political agendas gave way to new social problems and concerns, as the impact of globalization, management lean, and financial capital dominance reshaped the landscape. The lives of industrial citizens, including their workplaces, careers, and homes, were profoundly affected by these changes. The social rights and political participation of workers underwent a significant shift as markets became increasingly global, management practices became more efficient, and financial capital gained dominance. Companies underwent a remarkable transformation as well, adapting to new technologies and reinventing their business models. Personal skills and work tasks were also reinvented to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.

However, this period of uncertainty and upheaval was not without its challenges. Workers, both men and women, faced a period of immense uncertainty as they navigated the changing economic and social landscape. Job insecurity, low wages, and limited opportunities characterized the era, leading to a crisis of democratic representation. The gap between the rich and the poor widened, and social inequality became a pressing concern.

Lutz Raphael, in his book "Deindustrialization in Western Europe," provides a comprehensive reconstruction of this highly variegated story, focusing on Britain, France, and West Germany. Spanning over three decades, this transformation was accompanied by significant rises in productivity and consumerism, but it also came at a heavy cost. It ushered in many low-income jobs, growing inequality, and a crisis of democratic representation.

The legacy of deindustrialization in Western Europe is still evident today. It is the transformation that has shaped our world, influencing economic policies, social structures, and the lives of individuals across the globe. The decline of traditional industries and the rise of new technologies have created a complex and interconnected global economy, where the roles and responsibilities of workers have continued to evolve.

In conclusion, the 1970s marked a pivotal period in the history of Western Europe, characterized by profound economic and social transformations. The decline of old industries, the emergence of new social problems, and the shift in political agendas. The lives of industrial citizens were deeply affected by these changes, and their legacy continues to shape our world today. Understanding the complexities of this period is essential for comprehending the challenges and opportunities that we face in the present and future.

Weight: 620g
Dimension: 152 x 230 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509554386