GPs, Politics and Medical Professional Protest in Britain, 1880-1948

This book explores the journey of British General Practitioners (GPs) towards professional self-realization through the development of a political consciousness, manifested in clashes with government over the terms on which they offered their services to the public. It sheds new light on the creation of the modern British state and the history of the British medical profession, examining these events from the perspective of the professionals involved.

Format: Hardback
Length: 396 pages
Publication date: 08 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the profound journey of British General Practitioners (GPs) as they navigate their path toward professional self-realization, fueled by a growing political consciousness that emerges through a series of challenging encounters with the government. GPs, as vital members of modern Britain's social fabric, have consistently felt undervalued, engaging in heated clashes with successive administrations over the terms of their services to the public. This research offers a sociological perspective to shed light on the background of these disputes and the motivations of GPs, providing a fresh insight into some pivotal moments in the creation of the modern British state. From the inception of National Health Insurance to the establishment of the National Health Service, this study examines these events through the eyes of the professionals who were intimately involved and profoundly affected by them. By utilizing a comprehensive blend of established sources, such as Ministry of Health records, an in-depth analysis of rarely studied records of professional bodies, and previously unresearched archive material, the author crafts a fascinating account of conflict and cooperation, as well as heroic and less-than-heroic defiance of political authority. This book appeals to a wide audience, including both medical practitioners and historians, with its scholarly yet accessible style. It sheds light on the complex interplay between individuals, ideologies, and the shaping of medical practices and the broader political landscape of Britain.

Weight: 910g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032572000