Flashpoints: Studies in Public Disorder

This book explores how a seemingly trivial incident can act as a flashpoint for wider disturbances, investigating the underlying causes, immediate context, and communication between police and crowd. Based on first-hand research in South Yorkshire, UK, it covers industrial relations, police-community relations, political representation, and legal rights. The authors provide a novel theoretical analysis and consider the impact of new public order legislation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book, originally published in 1989, delves into the profound impact of seemingly insignificant incidents on the broader fabric of society. It meticulously examines the underlying causes, the immediate context surrounding the events, and the intricate communication dynamics between police and crowds during such situations. Drawing upon extensive firsthand research conducted over a five-year period in South Yorkshire, United Kingdom, the authors present a comprehensive analysis encompassing industrial relations, police-community relations, and critical issues of political representation and legal rights. Their approach is multidisciplinary, drawing upon sociology and social psychology to offer a novel theoretical framework that is applied to their case studies and to a range of other disorder instances, spanning from Grosvenor Square in 1968 to Wapping in 1986. Furthermore, they contemplate the potential implications of new public order legislation and the policy ramifications of their findings. This thought-provoking work sheds light on the complex interplay between small events and larger social dynamics, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of disorder and the potential for positive change.

Weight: 581g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032042480