The New Social Mobility: How the Politicians Got It Wrong

Description

In this accessible and engaging text, Geoff Payne presents up-to-date sociological research evidence to demonstrate how our politicians have failed to grasp the ways in which mobility works. The new social mobility considers a wider range of dimensions of mobility and life chances, notably the workings of the labour market, to assess more accurately the causes and consequences of mobility as social and political processes. This important book will challenge well-established opinions of politicians, pressure groups, the press, academics and the public, as well as being sufficiently comprehensive to be suitable for teaching and of interest to a broad academic audience.

Professor Geoff Payne, FAcSS, is based at Newcastle University where he has taught modules on sociological research methods; social divisions; and social mobility. A former President of the British Sociological Association, and Director of the Scottish Mobility Study at Aberdeen University in the mid-1970s, he has written over 30 articles and three books on social mobility, and worked on education, social class, and research techniques. His widely-used 'Social Divisions' textbook is in its 3rd edition.

"Punctures the technocratic myth of UK academics and politicians working together, identifying instead a troubling disconnect between what's known about mobility and what's done in the name of increasing it. An object lesson in late-industrial policymaking." David G. Grusky, Stanford University "A valuable navigation tool of thought for the exploration of mobility" - Sociological Research Online "Every public figure protests they are all for social mobility - but few have any idea what it means. Here's the definitive analysis they need to read: equal opportunity means we must live more equal lives." Polly Toynbee, The Guardian "A lively, intelligent, and well-informed discussion of the meaning, extent, and significance of social mobility in Britain. Written for both specialists and policymakers, it will be an essential source of reference for decades to come." John Scott, University of Essex