Ethics and Nationalist Populism at the British Seaside: Negotiating Character

This book explores the ethical negotiations and relationships of retired individuals from different parts of the UK with things that 'have history in the seaside town of Margate and nearby areas. It demonstrates how ordinary engagements with objects, houses, and places underpin nationalist sentiments and the Brexit vote, contributing to social scientific debates on class dynamics and ethics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 162 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Drawing on extensive ethnographic research conducted at the British seaside, this book makes a groundbreaking and thought-provoking anthropological contribution to the study of contemporary Britain and nationalism. The volume specifically focuses on retirees from various parts of the United Kingdom who have chosen to settle in the seaside town of Margate and its surrounding areas, delving into their ethical negotiations and intricate relationships with objects and places that possess a rich historical significance. It examines how these residents engage on a daily basis with objects, houses, and places that exude character, and how these ordinary interactions underpin nationalist sentiments and the outcome of the Brexit vote. Through her meticulous analysis, Ana Carolina Balthazar compellingly demonstrates that those who have achieved a comfortable financial status often seek ways to reconnect with their working-class roots and, in doing so, engage with the national past in a tangible and meaningful manner. This book offers a fresh and alternative perspective on nationalist populism, moving beyond the prevalent media stereotypes and arguments surrounding the "left behind" and the "longing for empire" in "post-industrial Britain." By exploring the ethical dimensions of everyday interactions and the ways in which individuals navigate the complexities of identity and belonging, it sheds light on the multifaceted dynamics of contemporary society. This insightful work is a valuable addition to the field of anthropology and will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and anyone seeking to understand the complex interplay between nationalism, identity, and social change in modern Britain.

Weight: 322g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367628574