End State: 9 Ways Society is Broken - and how we can fix it

In End State, James Plunkett argues that the COVID-19 pandemic can be a moment of historic opportunity to rethink, renew, and reform society. He offers nine ways to upgrade the social settlement to harness the power of the digital age, covering a wide range of geography and history. The book provides a much-needed map to help us navigate the twenty-first century.

Format: Hardback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 24 June 2021
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

End State: A Guardian Political Book of the Year

End State is a remarkable political book that provides an honest and hopeful exploration of the challenges and solutions facing the future. Written by Jon Richardson, this insightful work delves into the ideas currently on the fringe of politics and offers a compelling argument for their mainstream acceptance.

One of the key themes of End State is the mental health crisis, which Richardson believes can be addressed by eliminating Mondays. He argues that the traditional workweek, with its Monday-to-Friday structure, is contributing to stress, anxiety, and burnout among workers. By adopting a four-day workweek, with Fridays off, Richardson suggests that we can improve the well-being of individuals and ultimately create a more productive and sustainable society.

Another provocative idea presented in End State is the concept of "ending poverty by giving people money." Richardson challenges the conventional wisdom that poverty is primarily a result of individual failings and suggests that providing a basic income to all citizens can alleviate poverty and promote social mobility. He argues that this approach would reduce the burden on social welfare programs, improve health outcomes, and create a more equitable society.

Richardson also explores the role of young people in shaping the future and proposes giving them a greater say in decision-making processes. He believes that the populism and anger witnessed in recent years can be quelled by engaging young people in the political process and providing them with the tools and resources to participate meaningfully. By empowering young people, Richardson suggests that we can build a more inclusive and democratic society.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people feel disheartened about the future. However, in End State, James Plunkett presents a different perspective. He argues that this moment can be seen as a historic opportunity to rethink, renew, and reform some of the fundamental ways in which society is organized. Drawing on his extensive experience as an advisor to Gordon Brown, a leading economic researcher, and a charity sector worker, Plunkett offers an optimistic vision for a better future.

Plunkett combines a deep understanding of social issues with a practical understanding of how change is impacting people's lives. He sets out nine ways in which our social settlement can be upgraded to harness the power of the digital age, covering a wide range of topics such as education, healthcare, employment, and social welfare. Through his proposals, Plunkett seeks to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous society.

One of the strengths of End State is its accessibility and clarity of writing. Richardson's engaging style makes complex ideas accessible to a wide audience, and Plunkett's straightforward prose ensures that readers can easily follow his arguments. The book is also well-researched, with numerous citations and references to support the author's claims.

In conclusion, End State is a must-read for anyone interested in politics, social policy, and the future of society. Written by two talented authors, this book offers a thoughtful and optimistic exploration of the challenges and opportunities facing the world. By challenging conventional wisdom and proposing innovative solutions, End State provides a roadmap for building a better future. Whether you are a policymaker, a concerned citizen, or simply someone who wants to better understand the world around us, this book will provide valuable insights and inspiration.

Weight: 508g
Dimension: 146 x 224 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398702189