A lively and informative set of perspectives on the key themes that shape modern Britain. Embraces controversy and debate, and never loses sight of the fact that Britain and Britishness must always be understood in relation to globalisation.

Chronology; Introduction: modern British culture Michael Higgins, Clarissa Smith and John Storey; 1. Becoming British John Storey; 2. Language developments in British English David Crystal; 3. Schooling and culture Ken Jones; 4. The changing character of political communication John Street; 5. Contemporary Britain and its regions John Tomaney; 6. Contemporary British cinema Sarah Street; 7. Contemporary British fiction Patricia Waugh; 8. Contemporary British poetry Alex Goody; 9. Theatre in modern British culture Michael Mangan; 10. Contemporary British television Jane Arthurs; 11. British art in the twenty-first century Valerie Reardon; 12. British fashion Caroline Evans; 13. Sport in contemporary Britain Ellis Cashmore; 14. British sexual cultures Clarissa Smith; 15. British popular music, popular culture and exclusivity Sheila Whiteley; 16. British newspapers today Michael Higgins; 17. The struggle for ethno-religious equality in Britain: the place of the Muslim community Tariq Madood; Guide to further reading; Index.