The Left Behind: Reimagining Britain's Socially Excluded

The Left Behind is a key theme in contemporary British politics, linking the 2016 Brexit referendum, the collapse of the Red Wall, and the culture war. James Morrison's book provides a comprehensive historical analysis of the term, challenging the popular archetype of the Left Behind and examining the real human cost of austerity for marginalized communities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 20 August 2022
Publisher: Pluto Press

The Left Behind is a central theme in contemporary British political discourse, intricately linking the 2016 Brexit referendum, the collapse of the fabled "Red Wall" in the North, and the ongoing culture war. However, who exactly are the Left Behind? In his quest for truth, James Morrison provides a comprehensive historical analysis of the term's origins, applications, and meanings. He challenges the prevalent stereotype of the Left Behind, portraying it as a working-class, leave-voting white male from a former industrial region, and contextualizes it within the broader framework of demeaning discourses directed at communities perceived as backward and undeserving.

Through meticulous analysis of national newspaper coverage and parliamentary discussions, coupled with insightful interviews with Members of Parliament, community leaders, charities, and individuals with firsthand experiences of poverty and precarity, The Left Behind delves into the profound human consequences of austerity for neglected post-industrial communities and other marginalized groups worldwide. It also exposes the stigmatizing discourse that perpetuates their marginalization.

This book is a vital contribution to our understanding of the political landscape, shedding light on the lives and experiences of those often left behind in the pursuit of progress. It serves as a call to action, urging policymakers and society to address the systemic inequalities and injustices that perpetuate poverty and precarity and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Weight: 322g
Dimension: 139 x 216 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780745344621