At the beginning of the 21st century, governments around the world are claiming
to have rediscovered the virtues of community.
In England, Tony Blair's "New Labour" expects that life will improve if
communities take more responsibility for raising their young people, and caring
for the old and disadvantaged. In Australia, Peter Costello has been promoting
similar views. The passing of community values is frequently lamented.
But the word "Community" is misused more often than correctly understood.
There have been no investigations of the rise and fall of communities in a
particular region. This history fills the gap by following the growth of
remarkably strong community life in an economically vital region, and examining
the causes of its decay.
It's an intriguing entree into changing ways of life. More importantly it
directs us to the issues which are crucial in deciding whether community life
and virtues are as precious as we are told, and whether governments and
reformers can help to restore them.
Contents:
Preface
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Part 1: The Making of Community 1880-1940
Introduction
1. The Regional Economy and its Workforce Communities, 1880-1940
2. Trade Unions and Workforce Community, 1880-1940
3. The Political Expression of Community, 1880-1940
4. Workforce and Community, 1880-1940
Part 2: Community Lost? 1940-1980
Introduction
5. The Economy
6. Unions and Community, 1940-1980
7. The Political Expression of Community, 1940-1980
8. Community, 1940-1980
Epilogue, 1980-2001
Conclusion
Appendices
Notes
Index
