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.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book, originally released 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 profound questions of political representation and legal rights. With a broad and interdisciplinary approach, the book explores a range of topics, from the complexities of industrial disputes to the dynamics of police-community interactions.

The authors offer a novel theoretical framework, blending insights from sociology and social psychology, which they apply not only to their own case studies but also to a diverse array of disorder incidents, spanning from the tumultuous Grosvenor Square protests of 1968 to the infamous Wapping protests of 1986. Furthermore, they contemplate the potential implications of new public order legislation and the policy ramifications of their research. This thought-provoking work not only sheds light on the dynamics of social unrest but also provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between individuals, communities, and the state.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032042497