Shattered Nation: Inequality and the Geography of A Failing State

Britain was once the leading economy in Europe, but now it is the most unequal. Danny Dorling's book "Shattered Nation" explores the social fissures that have emerged and identifies the five giants of twenty-first-century poverty that need to be conquered in order to save Britain from becoming a failed state.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 19 September 2023
Publisher: Verso Books

Britain, a nation that once held the prestigious title of being the leading economy in Europe, has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the years. However, this transformation has brought about a concerning trend: it has become increasingly unequal. In his book, "Shattered Nation," renowned geographer and author Danny Dorling delves deep into this issue, revealing a new geography of inequality that is shaping the country.

Dorling's journey takes him across the British Isles, exploring the social fissures that have emerged as a result of this growing divide. He visits sites that have been particularly hard hit by the cost-of-living crisis, such as middle England, where even individuals who are doing comparatively well are finding it difficult to make ends meet. Once affluent suburbs have become unproductive places, where opportunity has been replaced by the presence of food banks. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, life expectancy had dropped for the first time since the 1930s, largely due to poverty.

Fifty years ago, the UK was a leader in child health, but today, twenty-two of the twenty-seven EU countries have better mortality rates for newborns. The country's unemployment benefits, university fees, housing costs, and government policies are among the most miserly in Europe. In contrast, other European countries have implemented policies that prioritize social welfare, education, and affordable housing.

Dorling's book is a powerful call to action, reminiscent of the 1942 Beveridge Report. He identifies the five giants of twenty-first-century poverty that need to be conquered: hunger, precarity, waste, exploitation, and fear. Through his insightful analysis, Dorling provides powerful insights into how Britain got to this point and offers practical solutions for saving the country from becoming a failed state.

One of the key themes that Dorling explores is the impact of globalization on inequality. He argues that the benefits of economic growth have been unevenly distributed, with the wealthiest individuals and corporations reaping the most rewards while the majority of the population struggles to make ends meet. This has led to a growing sense of resentment and frustration among the working class, who feel that their voices are not being heard by the government.

Dorling also highlights the role of education in addressing inequality. He argues that the education system in Britain has been designed to benefit the privileged, leaving many working-class children behind. This has contributed to a lack of social mobility and perpetuated the cycle of poverty. To address this issue, Dorling suggests that education should be more accessible and affordable, particularly for those from low-income backgrounds.

Another important aspect of Dorling's book is his focus on the impact of technology on inequality. He argues that the increasing automation and digitalization of the economy have led to job losses and wage stagnation for many workers. This has particularly affected those in low-skilled jobs, who are now at risk of being left behind in the job market. Dorling suggests that the government should invest in retraining programs and job creation initiatives to help those affected by these changes.

In addition to these solutions, Dorling also calls for a more progressive tax system. He argues that the current tax system is unfair and benefits the wealthy at the expense of the middle and lower classes. By implementing a more progressive tax system, the government can generate more revenue to invest in social welfare programs, education, and infrastructure.

Overall, "Shattered Nation" is a thought-provoking and important book that sheds light on the growing inequality in Britain. Through his insightful analysis and practical solutions, Dorling provides a roadmap for saving the country from becoming a failed state. It is a must-read for anyone who is concerned about the future of Britain and the well-being of its citizens.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 152 x 234 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804293270