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The debate over 'Britain in Decline' is one that still rages in the academic, political and public spheres. In this concise study, B. W. E. Alford takes issue with those economists who have a mechanistic approach to the subject. Instead, he examines Britain's economic development since the Second World War within a wider framework of political, social and cultural factors. He discusses topics such as post-war reconstruction, the theory of 'too few producers', the alleged process of de-industrialisation, the role of sterling, business organisation and management, labour relations and the impact of government policy on Britain's economic development. Professor Alford provides a clear introduction to the subject along with a survey of recent literature, yet shows how complex and deep-rooted are the causes of the 'British Disease'.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Editor's preface; 1. The overall picture; 2. Post-war crises and reconstruction; 3. Industry: too few producers?; 4. The service industries; 5. Corporate structure, management and labour; 6. The role of sterling and the balance of payments; 7. Government policy and economic orthodoxy; 8. Virtuous or vicious circles?; Select bibliography; Index.
Zusammenfassung
This concise textbook tackles the ongoing argument over Britain's apparent economic decline. The author examines British economic development within a political, social and cultural framework, and his clear analysis demonstrates how complex and deep-rooted are the causes of the 'British Disease'.
