The start of the twenty-first century has marked an opportunity to reflect on some of the key social and economic developments in the preceding century and to question how they impacted upon the lives of British people. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the effects of the rise in affluence and attitudes upon class, race, age and gender. Students will consider elements of continuity during the post-war world as well as examples of change and development. The module will focus upon the lifetime of the baby boomers and the transformation within society that this generation witnessed up until the millennium. Did the provision of welfare improve? Were educational opportunities and job prospects better by the end of the century? Students will question such issues and whether the rise of consumer society has made class redundant. They will explore whether the British public has become more tolerant in its attitude towards immigrants and ethnic minorities, homosexuality and women. How change could be resisted will also be explored.

This module will introduce students to contemporary British social and economic history. It will explore the key developments in post-war Britain including the foundation of a welfare state, the move from an industrial to a manufacturing economy, the growth of affluence and mass immigration. The response to such changes through protest, social movements and strikes is examined. The module introduces students to a number of key themes and concepts including class, race and gender. An understanding of these key historical themes will provide students with a solid foundation for future social history modules.