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Chavs
- The Demonization of the Working Class
- Narrated by: Leighton Pugh
- Length: 11 hrs and 15 mins
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Summary
In modern Britain, the working class has become an object of fear and ridicule. From Little Britain's Vicky Pollard to the demonization of Jade Goody, media and politicians alike dismiss as feckless, criminalized and ignorant a vast, underprivileged swathe of society whose members have become stereotyped by one, hate-filled word: chavs. In this acclaimed investigation, Owen Jones explores how the working class has gone from 'salt of the earth' to 'scum of the earth.' Exposing the ignorance and prejudice at the heart of the chav caricature, he portrays a far more complex reality. The chav stereotype, he argues, is used by governments as a convenient fig leaf to avoid genuine engagement with social and economic problems and to justify widening inequality. When Chavs was first published in 2011 it opened up the discussion of class in Britain. Then, in the public debate after the riots of that summer, Owen Jones's thesis was proved right - the working class were the scapegoats for everything that was wrong with Britain. This new edition includes a new chapter, reflecting on the overwhelming response to the book and the situation in Britain today.
What listeners say about Chavs
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- Mr
- 07-04-17
A really good listen, and do right in many ways
I had never thought about the class war happening in the UK before but this throws it into sharp relief. A great listen, but does start to feel it is hammering the same point over and over. But it's an important point.
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20 people found this helpful
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- Ross K
- 22-09-19
interesting and well researched
Lots of myths exposed. It is clear how the establishment have pitted the poor against each other and blamed them for their own poverty.
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5 people found this helpful
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- Mrs Su Underwood
- 13-04-23
Needs an update
It told me nothing that I didn’t already know and, although still relevant, offered no plausible suggestions for how things can be improved. The irony of Rachel Johnson being one of his interviewees was not lost on me..
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2 people found this helpful
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- Osian Lewis
- 09-12-18
Illuminating work into the UK class structure
Insightful and valuable: an impressive culmination of Jones' journalistic research on class in the UK.
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- Goldie Horne
- 12-04-18
An Educational Listen
Memorable facts - the narrator was clear and concise. Also he distinguished the clash of class within the British Society.
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- mrs
- 11-03-18
The portrayal and betrayal of the Working Class
Where does Chavs rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
The portrayal and betrayal and ultimate genocide of the White Working Class.
Driven by fear and loathing this is a real gut wrenching insight into the relentless state sponsored attacks on the White Working Class of Great Britain.
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- Paul Murphy
- 17-12-18
Sometimes a book will widen your perspective.
On the right side of politics and from a working-class background, this book was a bit of a surprise. I never realized just how much the working class has been demonized and exploited by a system that's so well stacked for the benefit of the middle class. I learned from this book and will be a good deal more circumspect when it comes to some of the more usual political debates. Well narrated, kept my interest right to the end.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Luke Mattam
- 11-05-22
odd narration
the audiobook would have been better had the narrator not do impersonations for each public figure
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1 person found this helpful
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- daleGmoore
- 10-03-18
Very timely, very relevant
This excellently written book deserves a wide readership. Its message is relevant and timely. Wherever you see yourself fitting into our current political system, we’re long overdue for a major rethink. It starts with you and me. Brilliantly read by Leighton Pugh.
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- Anonymous User
- 18-11-19
An insightful read
I really enjoyed listening to this book. It challenged biases I didn’t realise I held and often left me thinking long after episodes of listening. It’s made me want to become more politically aware and look beyond the policies and what they really mean to those that may be more disadvantaged. A very long listen and at times I got a little distracted but I would challenge anyone to read it and listen to the breakdown of statistics and how the media and politicians are increasing inequality across the UK
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