New Egalitarianism, The

Description: This book tackles one of the most pressing issues currently facing centre-left governments: social inequality. At a time when the traditional mechanisms of social cohesion have been undermined by greater individualism, the globalization of production, and the fragmentation of social life, the challenges posed by inequality are more pronounced than ever before. As communities and cultures become more complex, social solidarity and social justice can increasingly seem like impossible ideals. Bringing together original contributions from globally renowned thinkers such as Gosta Esping-Andersen, Saskia Sassen, Ulrich Beck and Anthony Giddens, as well as senior New Labour figures, the book offers a coherent account of the dynamic and multi-faceted nature of contemporary inequality, and lays out how these inequalities can be countered. Drawing on a wide range of evidence, and the experiences of governments worldwide, it proposes a fresh agenda for social change. The Editors propose a 'new egalitarianism' - an approach to equality consistent with the demands of a post-modern economy and society. The book shows that there is a viable future for a left-of-centre politics anchored in egalitarian values, but that it requires a break with some core assumptions of the past. The New Egalitarianism will be essential reading for anyone concerned about social inequality, and the future of democratic politics. Table of Contents: About the Contributors.Acknowledgements.Editor's Introduction.1. Inequality of Incomes and Opportunities. (Gosta Esping-Anderson).2. Does Inequality Matter (Ed Miliband).3. Inequality in the New Knowledge Economy (Robert Atkinson).4. Opportunity and Life Chances: the Dynamics of Poverty (Robert Walker).5. Where are the poor? The changing Patterns of Inequality and the.Impact of Attempts to Reduce It. (Anne Power).6.The New Egalitarianism: Economic Inequality in the UK (Patrick Diamond and Anthony Giddens).7.Inequality and Recognition; Pan-European social conflicts and their political dynamic (Ulrich Beck).8. New Global Classes: Implications for Politics (Saskia Sasson).9. Britain's Glue: the Case for Liberal Nationalism (David Goodhart).10. Why gender equality? (Magdalena Andersson).11. Social Corrosion, Inequality and Health (Robert Wilkinson).12. Inequality, Choice and Public Services (Julian Le Grand).Notes.Index. Author Biography: Anthony Giddens is the former Director of the London School of Economics and Political Science. Patrick Diamond is a Special Adviser in the Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street.