British Society And Culture
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BRITISH SOCIETY AND CULTURE 1 THIS SCEPTER'D ISLE British refer to mainland Europe as »the Continent« or Europe Part of EU since 1973 Semi-detached: opted out of much EU legislations
BREXIT Referendum, 23 June 2016, 52%:48% Scotland and Northern Ireland voted Remain REMAIN: cities with large multi-ethnic population, younger people, economists and business people LEAVE: parts of the country with high unemployment AFTER David Cameron resigned as PM, replaced by Theresa May Pound fell and estimates for economic growth have been revised sharply downwards Dramatic increase in in reported hate crime and racial or xenophobic abuse (Polish community)
1.1 What is Britain? Britain is an Island and for this reason they refer to Europe as “The Continent” . This proves
1.2 The English Language At the time of Roman invasion Celtic language Romans left a little mark on the society In the 8th and 9th Century Vikings invasion – England was devided in : Wessex ( south and east) and Danelaw (north and east) The language of the Anglo-Saxons and the Danes was NOT so different combined is similar to the Modern English For the next 2 or 3 centuries the main language was The Middle English, although the French influence was important
1.3 National Stereotypes
They come from novels, television, films - Examples: Mary Poppins ( the English rose- pretty but not beautiful), Jane Austen (large country houses), England is only London, Oxford, Cambridge, public schools, Hogwarts. Stereotypes promoted by the tourist industry: House of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London… Tourists want to see only the traditional part of the country British people want to be known for their humour, eccentricity, moderation
Negative stereotypes Bad food, poor dress sense, lack of cleanliness, snobbishness, hypocrisy, football hooliganism Kids pick up some germs! Other stereotypes for:
THE WELSH nation of singers, miners, druids, rugby players
THE IRISH drinkers, talkers, musicians, writers, very religious
1.4 Generalisation LOVE OF TRADITION The British are describes as conservative because of the Royal family and because of some conservative politicians. UK is not so traditional ; there is a heavily urbanized and highly multicultural society. School uniforms are still the norm. CLASS CONSCIOUSNESS Britain is a class ridden society and people are aware of their social class. This is because of no revolutions to upset the status quo + the structures have evolved gradually. Snobbery is present in every society. In Britain INVERTED SNOBBERY ( disdaining things connected with wealth); intellectuals used to malign middle class and to praise the honesty of working class life. A lot of people say that they are from the w. class, although their income is for the middle class. Some claim that Britain is a classless society after the Thatcher revolution, but facts prove them wrong. Blair and other politicians graduated in Oxbridge and a lot of people from lower social classes cannot go there because of their income. Social classes are for people an integral part of British society. The Labour party gets support from workers, teachers, social and clerical workers. From the 80’s a new class has been created rich
entrepreneurial class (people from lower class backgrounds become rich). Another important thing is the ACCENT. People divide themselves in various classes because of their accent. LOVE OF THE COUNTRYSIDE The British have a very idealized attachment to the countryside. They dream to live in a cottage but nowadays the UK is industrial and even the countryside is full of factories. The only less spoilt zones are not affordable to normal people. The 2 countries, which are the favorite of the British, are Spain and France. A SENSE OF FAIR PLAY good sportsmanship, good sport: accept losing gracefully and the ability of laughing at themselves. “Supporting the underdog” means to support the smaller team. Nowadays this sense of fair play is less used, because of the entertainment industry for big teams is not important to take part, but to win! SUSPICION OF CLEVERNESS The British are down to earth, pragmatic and practical so they have a great faith in the common sense. There is a less faith in academics and it’s not tradition to bring university professors into government. Cleverness is for the British shrewd, sly, furtive, sneaking, un-English, un-Scottish, un-Welsh. A SENSE OF HUMOUR Humour is popular in Britain and forms a large proportion of television production. In every program is expected a general joking. The British are keen on irony, but it can be easily spill over into sarcasm. “GSOH” means: good senso of humour. The British are also reluctant to complain about poor service and they pretend to be fine, even when they are not. ANIMAL LOVERS There are a lot of animal charities in Britain (RSPCA, PDSA, cats Protection). People give them a lot of money every year. They have a soft spot for donkeys too. The BBC is famous for its wildlife documentaries. There is also a passion for horses and horse riding. A lot of teenagers take riding lessons. The British are less attached to pedigree dogs and they are against the transportation of animals. Another passion is bird watching or birding and the “twitchers” travel around the world to see a rare species of birds MULTICULTURAL BRITAIN Immigration : In 1948 British Nationality act British citizenship to Commonwealth citizens (they had the right to live in Britain)
Natural step to move to England after war
A higher standard of living
People from Poland, Italy, Ireland
Other people moved because of an uncertain future in their country or because of religious/political persecution
The first arrivals : Afro-Caribbeans, then Indians and Pakistanis
Certain cities became known for their ethnical communities
Discrimination:
Many immigrants were received with hostility
Riots
The law gradually changed difficult to make migration
Britain encourage them to maintain their identity, tradition
General tolerance - In 1987 4 non-white MPs were elected
Ethnic communities
Indians and Chinese integrated most successfully
Pakistanis and Bangladeshis suffer from higher unemployment and lower incomes
The poorest are predominantly Muslims (unqualified)
Bangladeshi youngsters have rapidly improved
The top performing ethnic group in school is the Chinese
Black Africans are most likely to have an university degree
Changed Britain
Racial and ethnic mix on the streets
Certain employment areas with a high proportion of immigrants
Different cultural traditions, languages and religions
Many mosques and temples
Children learn sth about religions
Mark non-Christian festivals
Street festivals associated with ethnic cultures
Food
Great impact on the British diet
Britain absorbs and adapts external influences
Indian food industry! - GO FOR AN INDIAN! -In supermarkets : ready-made Indians meals
The arts
Greatest influence from the Caribbean – reggae and ska
Films set among the British Asian community
Bollywood is te second largest category in Britain
Non-white newsreaders
Multiculturalism
Has become a widely accepted one in B society, media, education system
Celebrating racial and ethnic diversity
This multiculturalism is likely to become more marked in the future
Those born in Britain call themselves as Britiish
Proud of their mixed heritage
New immigration
The UK population increased half of them were born abroad
The largest immigrant communities are still the Chinese, Irish, South Asian
Now also people from Eastern Europe countries : from Poland!
Multilingualism
Community languages spoken by members of minority groups -
The most frequent are: Punjabi, Gujarati, Turkish
Primary schools offer at least 35 languages
1.5 An A-Z of Britishness
2. THE FOUR NATIONS
2.1 SCOTLAND History Prior the Acts of Union, Scotland had many centuries of INDEPENDENCE The Scots arrived in the 4th century AD. With the CELTIC PICTS they fight against the Vikings Alba = Gaelic name for Scotland Kingdom of Alba The wars of Scottish independence 1296, battles against the British, main leaders: William Wallace, Robert the Bruce (defeated the B. in the Battle of Bannockburn – 1314) Highlands and Lowlands Scotland divided into 2 parts: THE GAELIC-SPEAKING HIGHLANDS and THE ENGLISH OR SCOTSSPEAKING LOWLANDS. The Highlands was the clan system, which was derived from both Celtic and Norse traditions The Lowlands were subject to attack because they were near England The H. became the centre of the JACOBITE REBELLION – 18TH century When Elizabeth I died, The STUARTS GLORIOUS REVOLUTION In 1688 James II, the last Catholic monarch of England, Scotland and Ireland, was deposed by the E. Parliament and replaced by his daughter Mary James, his son and his grandson tried to return to the throne unsuccessful His grandson – Bonnie Prince Charlie defeated by the English army at the BATTLE OF CULLODEN His army was from the Highlands so they faced brutal repression They were: troublesome savages who spoke a foreign language Very limited rights : HIGHLAND CLEARANCES clearing large areas of Scotland Highlands culture What we know about their culture is reinvented by the Romantic revival Kilts and tartans became fashionable (18th century) as symbol of Scottish national identity Burns’ night On 25th January celebration of the life and work of Scotland’s national poet
The Scottish Enlightenment In the 18th century intellectual and scientific development First public educational system Robert Adam, James Boswell, David Hume, James Watt, Mungo Park Devolution Scotland retained a large measure of autonomy judicial, educational system Bank of Scotland Tony Blair’s government in 1998 the Scottish parliament was established General Information The Scottish live mostly in Edimburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen Their flag is blue with the St Andrew’s cross His saint’s day = 30th November Language Scottish Gaelic Celtic language related to Irish Scots is recognized as a regional language Flower or Scotland Is an unofficial anthem It’s written by Roy Williamson It refers to the Scottish victory over the English in 1314
2.2 WALES History No independence period under English nomination since 1284 The last native king was defeated in 1277 King Edward built castles in the North Wales Rebellions In the next decade They retained their identity through culture, language Welsh traditions created in the 19th century In the 19th century growth of the population because of the coal mining and related industry Cardiff, Swansea and Newport increased in size
The division between the English-speaking south (industry) and the Welsh-speaking rural north INCREASED In the 1955 development of a different political identity In 1993 Language Act – it gave the language equal status to English In 1997 a referendum only 50.3 voted in favour of a Welsh assembly General information The capital : Cardiff The patron: Saint David – 1st March The flag: the Red Dragon of Cadwallader The Welsh language 20% of the population speak Welsh 28% understand it Welsh is the first language in the rural north and west
2.3 NORTHERN IRELAND Ireland Northern Ireland separated from Ireland in 1922 with the conflict The Troubles (20th C.) The colonisation by the English started in the 16th century Land was confiscated by the E and given to PLANTERS This process accelerated in the 17th century Oliver Cromwell Veterans from wars recieved land and gradually the new settlers formed the new ruling class BATTLE OF BOYNE victory of the British Protestants against the Irish Catholics This battle celebrated every year by the ORANGE ORDER Irish catholics had no rights and their language was supressed Irish Parliament was abolished and Ireland became part of the UK The Great Famine
low ebb in the 19th century Great Famine or Irish Potato Famine of 1845 -1851 Ireland was an agricultural nation, very poor People had to pay pay rent for their land Many labourers were without work The potato was the staple diet When it struck drammatic effect Government in London didn't care The POOR LAWS families were forced to build stone roads The famine lasted for 6 years Millions of Irish people left the country America, Canada, Britain Civil war and partition The Easter Rising in Dublin in 1916 organised by the Republican Brotherhood lasted only 6 days but it was a turning point for rebellion Split between Republicans ( only way – army) and Nationalist (negotiation) In 1921 Ireland devided into Northern and Southern parts Civil war between who accepted it and who saw it as a betrayal The second group lost In 1922 the Irish Free State was born In 1949 it left the Commonwealth and it became the Republic of Ireland or Eire Ulster or the Six Countries Unionis supporters of the link with Britain called the province ULSTER The others nationalist SIX COUNTRIES, because 26 of Irelands' countries formed the Irish Free State, while 6 of them remained part of Britain The Troubles The Unionists were in favour of the union with Britain The Nationalist or Republicans for the separation -
The N.I. government dominated by
the Protestant community + discrimination against the Catholic minority Electoral boundaries ADJUSTED Protestants' control of town councils In the 60s Catholic civil rights movement began Reforms were not allowed
In 69 in Belfast and Derry riots Army sent there At first army was welcomed by the Catholics BLOODY SUNDAY 30th January 1972, unarmed civilians were fired upon the Nationalist turned against the British army Paramilitary groups became very active One of them PROVISIONAL IRA, that had broken away from the IRA The Ulster side = UDA, UVF Both sides started shooting, bombing In the 1972 the N.I parliament was SUSPENDED Violence for 3 decades The British government suspended many legal rights Exstremist groups recruited new members In the 1998 GOOD FRIDAY Both communities alter its constitution and recognised its right to exist In the 21st century official end of violence Problems still remain
3. From Victoria to the new millenium After her death, her ideals continued discontent among ordinary working people very poor conditions political change : introduction of a salary for MP's
3.1 WORLD WAR I the most dramatic event - over a million B soldiers were killed, 2 millions were injured the young men involved : the lost generation BATTLE OF SOMME – from July to November 1916 1. July 16 the bloodiestday in the history of the British Army
The WW1 is remembered on Remembrance Day or Armistice Daz (11th November) The Armistice Day is called Poppy day - Why poppy? Because it is the colour of blood + it grew in the trenches
3.2 THE AFTERMATH OF WAR The war brought many social and economic changes People from different social classes were together in war The HOUSING ACT the returning soldiers would recieve a house Women had to take male roles SUFFRAGE MOVEMENT led by Emmeline Pankhurst
3.3 THE GREAT DEPRESSION After WW1 1929 - The most significant economic depression The worst affected North of England and Wales – unemployment reached 70% GENERAL STRIKE in 1926 for coal miners In October 1936 Jarrow March or Jarrow Crusade PROTEST The industry improved at the beginning of WW2 need for armaments GEORGE ORWELL
3.4 WORLD WAR II Continuation of the previous war Britain suffered only a half of the casualties Many more civilian casualties + war closer to home Britain prepared for total war Barrage baloons deter low-flying aircraft Children evaquated, gas masks were issued When the Nazis conquered France, Belgium, Norway.. Britain stood alone Neville Chamberlaine resigned, replaced by Winston CHURCHILL -
War-time leader
In 1940 the Royal air Force successfully resisted the Nazi's attacks DUNKIRK
The Dunkirk evacuation Took place between 26 May and 4th June 1940 300.000 soldiers were rescued by assembled fleet of boats. Miracle of deliverance The Dunkirk spirit the solidariety of British people THE BLITZ Blitz spirit - It refers to the intensive bombing of Britain by Germans 40/41 A million houses destroyed Then Hitler turned his attension eastwards – Russia WARTIME SPIRIT For the English the war was seen in a different perspective No invasions, occupations, attrocities Britain was not invaded They saw themselves as the good guys(no cooperation with the Nazzi's) A strong sense of common purpose Single women had an important role : worked in war industries or joined the Women's Land Army They bacem rfadar operators, mechanics, truck drivers Women finally could make a contribution to the war Government propaganda contributed to the feeling of UNITY The RADIO Important - VERA LYNN the Forces' Sweetheart
3.5 THE POST-WAR PERIOD Churchill was rejected by the voters in 1945 The Labour won because their voters were soldiers They did not trust a Conservative government
The Labour programme contained many socialist elements nationalisation of key industries, 1/5 economy under public ownership NHS – care for everyone in the country regardless of their income WELFARE STATE War debt and economy was struggling Food rationing, rationing of bread In the 1951 Churchill came back to power -
decline as a leading country( the world was
enetering the cold-war period between two world powers, the soviet union and the USA) Loss of English colonies Britain managed to avoid the level of conflict COMMONWEALTH intergovernmental organisation of 53 independent member states
3.6 THE FIFTIES Grey, conformist period For women unwelcome return to home Leisure more significant seaside holiday camps TV, washing machines, refrigerators, record players Cars started to become a significant part of British life
3.7 THE SWINGING SIXTIES Radical social change Certain trends began Idea of youth culture and pop culture Before, young people were like their parents In the 60s dramatic decline in respect for authority No respect for elders and betters The pop music was the dominant form of expression New subcultures: Rockers, Hippies
American artists influenced the British Lady Chatterley Trial - symbol of the social changes It talked about sex - A general relaxation of sexual attituds DEVELOPMENT OF THE PILL sexual revolution In 1964 Labour came back Sexual Offences act (homosexuality legal), The Abortion Act, the Divorce Reform Act Introduction of instructed local authorities to prepare people for the selective grammar school Students' demonstrations in Britain rebellion anti-Vietnam war Marxism had a great influence COUNTERCULTURE : The dramatic social changes + drug use + psychedelic music
3.8 THE SEVENTIES The message of the Sixties faded Economic problems, high inflation, unemployment Increased : Ecology movement and feminism ECOLOGICAL MOVEMENT nuclear power, acid rain, the ozone hole, whale hunting. Greenpeace has enjoyed growing influence FEMINISM - Equal Pay Act 1970 + the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 steps forward in the struggle for equal rights The Punk movement flourished SEX PISTOLS no future for the society
3.9 THE THATCHER YEARS The decline + crisis peak in the winter of 78/79
WINTER OF DISCONTENT
Margharet Thatcher became the first female prime Minister power till 1990
A major political figure in the world
After her third election she introduced the POLL TAX – financing local government) Anti- Europeanism, policies of shareholders, her determination to weaken the trade unions
Largely critisized in the North of England, Scotland, Wales – industry closed down
For her the important thing was the INDIVIDUAL RESPONSABILITY
A great distrust of communism and a faith in free-market
IRON LADY
3.10 NEW LABOUR AND THE NEW MILLENIUM In 1997 the Labour Party won again Tony Blair He called it NEW LABOUR – a compromise between liberal and social democracy Thatcherism continued, he was unsuccessful He won 3 times because of a booming economy He resigned in 2007 He put a lot of money in health and education After him : Gordon Brown
8. RELIGION 8.1. The state of religion in Britain Christianity is in a state of decline Half of Britons have no religious affiliation Atheists or agnostics “Cultural Christians” religion is part of their cultural heritage “Passive Christianity” general respect for some tenets of C. C. is seen as a matter of shared moral values
8.2 The Church of England Anglican church - Official church headed by the monarchs The monarch is crowned by the Archbishop Mixture of Catholic and Reformed elements High Church” : mass in latin “Low Church” : teachings of scriptures Catholics : God’s intermediaries, able to hear confession Anglicans : more pastoral, they visits the old, sick.. No CELIBACY The Anglican church plays a less controversial social role -
Liberal view on abortion, not
against contraception It makes fewer efforts to exert political influence -
Church leaders have talked about
important social issues : conflict with the government Churches : events, groups Not clear how many members it has Schools connected with church
8.3 The Catholic Church 5mio Roman Catholics mostly in Northern Ireland General suspicion of Catholicism in England Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Church of Scotland : The KIRK; is Presbyteria Governed by non-clerical elders and led by a moderator No set prayer book Scripture reading or hymn singing
8.4 SCOTLAND, WALES AND NORTHERN IRELAND Church of Ireland Part of the Anglican Communion
The Church of Wales Anglican, not a significant role Nonconformist groups encourage individuals to experience God personally Methodism : unordained preachers
8.5 Other Christian groups Baptist churches believe in adult baptism by full immersion Pentecostal churches emphasize inspiration by the Holy spirit The Quakers is a non-hierarchical sect, they are small but with a great social influence They are in favour of women’s rights, universal education.. Their schools are good, well – known scientist, writers and academics Salvation Army : founded in 1865 to bring material help for the hungry They wear uniforms
8.6 Other Religions JUDAISM : second largest Jewish population in Britain They were expelled, then Cromwell allowed them to come back In 1858 they were allowed to participate in walks of life, including parliament Great wave of Jewish migration Successful in business, media, arts, science, academia.. ISLAM: Wave of large-scale immigration from the Indian subcontinent 80 Muslim primary schools They are the most marginalized religious group in Britain HINDUISM: Guajarati or Punjab origin From East Africa’s Asian communities The flourishing ones SIKHISM: wear turbans, uncut hair and beard.
OTHER RELIGIONS AND BELIEFS: Buddhism: very popular ; a lot of Britons have converted Rastafarians : reggae music, Bob Marley, dreadlocks New Age: spiritual beliefs Connection with the Eastern cultures An interest in yoga, veganism, vegetarianism, Chinese medicine, Celtic myths and culture Dissatisfaction with emptiness and materialism
5 POLITICAL LIFE The houses of parliament The P is the supreme legislative institution It has 2 chambers : UPPER HOUSE (HOUSE OF LORDS) and LOWER HOUSE (HOUSE OF COMMONS) The Palace of Westminster is known as the Houses of Parliament The word : parliament used from the 13th century The Commons representatives are from countries, towns and cities The Lords : nobility and clergy The power of the House of Lords is very limited The House of Commons Has 646 members It elects its own Speaker (predsednik drzavnega zbora) He decides who speaks in debates Once he passed on the Commons’ opinions to the monarch Some written rules on how the Parliament works The H. of C. is not round, but RECTANGULAR It has 5 rows The leading members of the two main parties sit on the front Other members are known as BACKBENCHERS Not everyone has their own seat not enough place Only MPs are allowed on the floor of the chamber Voting is not simple
Members walk into different areas dividing the Hose Division lobbies The Speaker asks members to call out whether they agree with the first vote If it’s not clear : divison takes place Members have 8min to vote Votes are counted by tellers The result is announced by the Speaker The main roles of parliament : examine the work of the government, debeate and pass laws The government has to answer during meetings of the p. committees Government loses the confidence: PM resigns The Commons has little control over the government The PM can ask for dissolution at any time – not a minimum term Government publish detailed proposals for legislation : GREEN PAPERS – WHITE PAPERS The first reading is the formal announcement of the bill The second reading is when the general principles are debated and a vote is taken Then the bill goes to committee stage Then is discussed in the House – report stage The third reading is the final debate Then is sent to the H of Lords for discussion Returns to the Commons for the final vote Royal assent -
The parliamentary sessions starts with the State Opening of Parliament
The Sovereign addresses members of both houses The Queen has a speech written by the Prime Minister’s office The Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod the door is slammed in his face – tradition The Electoral System 646 electoral areas You need a simple majority – not the absolute m It’s possible to win with less than half the votes It seems unfair It leads to strong, single-party governments
Coalitions are possible, but not common Disadvantages : small parties do badly The Green Party has never win a seat The two-party system : only main parties in the UK No party lists so if an MP dies, resign an election has to be held This is : BY – ELECTION A lot of media attention The election campaign The political parties release their manifestos, setting out their programme Glossy brochures, political broadcasts Uplifting message from the leader Travel around the country – battles Before “ polling day” the spin doctors go to everybody asking if they have understood everything.. NO ELECTORAL SILENCE as in Slovenia The voters have to put a cross next to the name of their favourite one You can be elected with far fewer votes The date is up to the PM Candidates: have to have 10 voters and pay 500 punds No need to be in a party Voting is not compulsory Political Parties The Labour : interests of ordinary working people The Conservatives : the traditional ruling elite Now : no differences Labour is a left of the centre party – social service provision, defender of welfare state , Conservatives are right centre, believe in reducing income taxes, hierarchical social structure The Conservatives under Margaret Thatcher introduced free market, radically cut taxes, privatized large sectors Labour voters are from the lower social class + small part of the middle class Cons. Voters: the others
The Liberal Democrats : the only other sizeable party in Britain They are slightly left of centre, pro-European The House of Lords -
In the 15th century the Commons – on the same level as the
Lords Removed the powers of the Lords They can review the new legislation Reform : no longer constituted on a hereditary basis 92 of the hereditary peers lost their right to sit and vote It has 751 members , do not receive a salary 609 life peers – retired politicians Selected representatives from walks of life The Speaker sits on the Woolsack The H of L functioned as the final court of appeal in civil cases Now a separate Supreme Court will be set up The Government Is the executive body responsible for running the country Members selected by the Prime Minister May be members of House of Lords No tradition of appointing members from outside parliament Ministers do not have to be approved by parliament They have to be from the PM’s party B government has 126 members Collective responsibility : every member shares responsibility for its decisions and action. If they want to criticize the government, they must resign The Prime Minister Is the leader of the party The day after the election, he has a meeting with the monarch Then moves into the official residence
He coordinates its policy He informs the Queen about government business He has more power than the Slovene counterpart No need to compromise with coalition partners The Cabinet It is the government’s inner committee and decision-making body Senior government ministers The main opposition party creates the Shadow Cabinet The PM is the first among equals He makes frequent changes - refreshing the government Cabinet reshuffle Little emphasize on expertise ministers can change sector The Cabinet has 23 members The finance minister is the second most important figure Then : The Home Office and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office The Chief Whip runs the Whips Office and is responsible for the party discipline The whips try to ensure that MPs vote along party lines The Chief send a letter to the MP how they are to vote It can be underlined 1, 2 or 3 times Defiance of the three-line whip -> expulsion from the party If you are ill, you have to vote, if you are abroad, you have to return home The Civil Service Is the public administration in Britain It covers 66 executive agencies and 23 Whitehall departments Whitehall : the road running from Parliament to Trafalgar Square The highest civil servant : THE CABINET SECRETARY They work behind the scene, politically neutral They are employees of the Crown With a new government, they retain their posts They may exercise a bit of influence or power
Local Government Britain : centralized system of government Local authorities has power.. given them by the central g Local representatives are COUNCILLORS They meet in the council chamber of the local town hall Many countries coincide with the old countries or shires The metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas are divided into districts Districts are divided into civil parishes The Monarchy Not a lot of power Symbolic role Head of the Church of England Its popularity rises and falls The royal family The Windsors are German by origin The current heir to the throne is Charles
6 LAW AND ORDER The Judicial System No single unified judicial system Exceptions : immigration law, employment law In other countries : Roman law In England Scotland : civil law Codified Interpreted by judges They have to decide in line with previous judges
E. law : solving individual disputes In civil and criminal cases : 2 sides or parties (the defence and the prosecution) Crown Prosecution service makes a decision after hearing arguments Witnesses can be called to witness After this: cross examination All the courts are administered by Her Majesty’s Court service The main courts : MAGISTRATES courts, country c, crown c Magistrates’ courts are not trained by lawyers à respected citizens Not paid The punishment is not so bad à the maximum is 6 month in jail Serious cases start in the magistrates’ court but end in a crown court, which is presided over by a qualified judge The crown court : jury of 12 people selected at random Not paid 10 members must agree to reach a verdict If not : the process starts again Court of appeal : CORTE D’APPELLO The House of Lords has been the final court of appeal Civil cases involving private disputes : are tried in a country court In Scotland : law different 15 members in juries rather than 12 The age of legal capacity is 16 not 18 Trial lawyers are called advocates NOT barristers The legal profession 2 kinds of lawyers : SOLICITORS AND BARRISTERS Solicitors : handle everyday legal matters (wills, divorce) ; they present casaes in magistrates’ They are specialized in special areas Barristers:: present cases in higher courts General principles of law
Dressed in wig and gown In E you can become a lawyer without a law degree Solicitors have to practice for 1 year in a course years part-time taining 2 Barristers have more work : degree in law + 1 year conversion course, then you join 1 of the 4 inns of Court in London When you do this : twelve qualifying sessions They must do a year’s pupilage TAKING SILK -
Judges are appointed among barristers
They remain politically independent Highly paid and they are out of touch with ordinary people The Police Not friendly anymore Police in the 70s were under political and public pressure to get results Police violence and threats against people Sometimes they were racist to ethnical groups Search for black policemen Problem not really solved People used to think that police was manipulated by the government This opinion faded No national police force à only New Scotland Yard The anti-Terrorist Branch and the Special Branch Internal counter- intelligence – MI 5 and MI 6 Uniformed and plain clothes officers Crime and fear of crime People think that crime has increased although the statistic prove it wrong This opinion : caused by the media Children are not allowed to play outside unsupervised There was a increase in the number of burglaries and of cars broken or stolen
New companies supplying security equipment Slovenia has a slightly higher rate than the Uk in MURDER Government is emphasizing that crime has fallen Drinking among young people : increased
9 THE MEDIA, THE ARTS AND SPORT The media : the press, television, radio, online media THE PRESS : British newspaper readers! Online newspapers, free papers ; no kiosks like in Slovenia but there are small newsstands in cities; FLEET STREET : Street where newsstands used to be based DAILY NEWSPAPERS Divided into 2 categories BROADSHEETS (like Delo) and TABLOIDS : Different in size, content and level of seriousness ( The Daily Telegraph, The Independent, The Guardian..). Their online version is very popular. Differences not so big anymore. They are not connected to any political party. MAGAZINES AND WEEKLIES 1000 of them. The best known is The Economist RADIO AND TELEVISION : THE BBC The world’s largest broadcaster. Founded in 1922. Television broadcasts began in 1936 – suspended during the War. The BBC receives no money from the government. Known : BROADCASTING HOUSE run by the BBC Trust. The major radio stations are: Radio 1, Radio 2, Radio 3, Radio 4, Radio 5. There are also separated stations for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The main television channels are: BBC One and BBC Two (Educational programs) COMMERCIAL TELEVISION CHANNELS They rely on advertising for their income. ITV is a channel. It is similar to BBC Two TELEVISION PROGRAMMES soap operas (Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale, The Bill..). Comedies have a great worldwide reputation. Nowadays : reality shows, chat shows. Differences B + Slo = in Britain : NO foreign language programs. The arts: better say arts than culture. Arts: paintings, sculpture, conceptual art, literature, visual arts (painting and sculpture), performing arts (ballet, music). High culture is patronized by the social elite. Popular culture is dominated by celebrities. During the Thatcher government, money wasn’t given by the state. Now money comes from National Lottery funds.
THE STAGE the arts are less ideological or politicized than in many countries. Conventional.. In the British theatre the constant theme is: SOCIAL THEME. VISUAL ARTS unconventional content and approaches. A massive increase in public interest in art. LITERATURE The best artists are novelists. The most famous literary award is the BOOKER PRIZE. ARTS FESTIVALS the biggest: the Edimburgh Festival. The best known classical music festival is THE PROMS MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES the most visited museum : the British Museum. The most visited art galleries : The Tate Modern, National Gallery Sport: important in Britain, strong belief in team sports. POPULAR SPORTS main sports : football, cricket and rugby (rugby league and rugby union). Individual sports do not attract crowds: golf, tennis. Swimming… Certain sports are spectator sports: boxing, wrestling.. Bowls is a popular pastime. School sports : rounders, netball, field hockey. No British teams but teams representing England, Scotland.. No interest in basketball, hockey, skiing HUNTING AND FISHING pastimes. Fly fishing and sea fishing. The hunting of foxes is banned. CRICKET Often described as a national game. GAMBLING Betting on horses was very popular.
10 Home, sweet home Sense of privacy = very strong nation of house dwellers detached houses, semi-detached houses in residential areas high fences or hedges (to not overlook), small porch, extra door between the house and the outside modern houses are in the North American style The English are not attached to their houses sell them
FLAT DWELLING flats outside London – negative image right to buy” policy : introduced by the Thatcher government all the best public housing was sold off the flats built in the 60s in Manchester had heat problems and people could not afford to pay everything. some flats were declared “unfit for habitation” a new trend : transformation of old industrial towns into residential areas with luxury flats private flats : people living on their own and childless couples the poorest housing is in the inner city areas A TYPICAL HOUSE Brick-built, semi-detached or terraced, with a hall, living-room, kitchen, dining room + three bedrooms In some parts of the country : local stone better than bricks the British don’t talk about the size of their house each room. prize of a house position, convenient access to the public transports it is rare for people to build their houses built and sold by building companies the architectural design conservative first people rent a house, then they buy a “ starter home” at the beginning they get a tax relief THE RURAL DREAM Dream: a cottage in the country flowery curtains, chintzysuite FARMHOUSES in the country rich farmers or large landowners small farmers go to the city no money some schools in the villages – closed
village shops – closed SUBURBIA When you cannot afford to live in the countryside lifestyle – not bad streets are quiet, safe.. for young people – deadly dull DECOR AND DIY décor is fussier than in Slovenes homes range of colours – great minimalist interiors are rare DIY = do it yourself improvements in the house for larger projects : professional builders The way we live now MOBILITY rather move than stay in a place forever moving because of better schools, new jobs FRIENDSHIP different circles of friends (sport, school, job) friendship impermanent FAMILY TIES great degree of independence and self reliance the typical family : nuclear, grandparents have a marginal role “PATCHWORK FAMILY” is a two-generational affair no “dvostanovanjska hisa” in Britain grandparents are NOT babysitting their grandsons
parents leave their kids independence at the age of 18 they move healthy process young people look for support , financial and emotional, away from the family Elderly people live on their own when they retire they move to a smaller property HOME HELPS , MEELS ON WHEELS pomoc za stare a very few retirement communities they may end up in a residential home – private care home or nursing home cheaper state has to provide for basic care for the children THE ROLE OF WOMEN 70% of women have paid employment employed in service industries, part-time some of them leave their job for their children they often do part-time or jobs in the voluntary sector SOCIAL DIFFERENCES, SOCIAL PROBLEMS differences are more apparent than in Slovenia In inner city areas more unemployment, crime, vandalism social problems : teen pregnancies, excessive under-age drinking, drug abuse among the young “ the leafy suburbs” where the middle-class people live awareness of social contrast rich and poor houses can be near gentrification renovation of a house in bad condition in a poor area TIME working day : 9 to 5 schools start at 9 o’clock
evening rush hour : from 5 to 7 quality time: spending time with kids WEEKENDS AND BANK HOLIDAYS the busiest time is Saturday they don’t go away on holiday like in Slovenia Sunday day to “ have a lie-in” + day for sport events they like buying old and second- hand things things have been donated by members of the public order students like vintage things (retro) bank holidays 3 banks holiday (always on Monday) : May Day, Spring Holiday and Summer Holiday A TRIP TO THE SEASIDE seaside resorts people go there on weekends + bank holidays play on the beach, walk, short donkey rides on the beach , funfairs.. the most popular seaside resort is Blackpool each resort has sth different to offer OTHER DAYS OUT Picturesque country village, tearoom, village pub. “stately home” Various theme museums FOOD AND DRINK frequently cooked dishes are spaghetti alla Bolognese, chilly con carne, lasagne a lot of cookery programs they try to cook well, they can’t no one has a “full English breakfast” “afternoon tea” – offered only in tea room or hotels
lunch = not common , sandwich, snacks.. workplace canteen for those doing more physically demanding work no malica in Britain the main meal = in the evening 2 dinners – 1 for kids 1 for parents oriental cuisine is very popular popularity of fast foods Italian and Chinese restaurant = Popular entertaining at home by inviting people “ going Dutch” = split the bill between them friends in the garden eating desserts they buy very often drinks for each other buying a round once pubs closed at 10.30 pm, now whenever they want whisky, dark beer, Bitter, plenty of wine bars roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, Sunday joints = traditional food the “ fry-up” = a staple part of the diet similar to the full English breakfast puddings, fruit pies, crumbles with custard, sponge or steamed suet puddings, bread pudding, rice pudding….
BREXIT Referendum, 23 June 2016, 52%:48% Scotland and Northern Ireland voted Remain REMAIN: cities with large multi-ethnic population, younger people, economists and business people LEAVE: parts of the country with high unemployment AFTER David Cameron resigned as PM, replaced by Theresa May Pound fell and estimates for economic growth have been revised sharply downwards Dramatic increase in in reported hate crime and racial or xenophobic abuse (Polish community)
1.1 What is Britain? Britain is an Island and for this reason they refer to Europe as “The Continent” . This proves
1.2 The English Language At the time of Roman invasion Celtic language Romans left a little mark on the society In the 8th and 9th Century Vikings invasion – England was devided in : Wessex ( south and east) and Danelaw (north and east) The language of the Anglo-Saxons and the Danes was NOT so different combined is similar to the Modern English For the next 2 or 3 centuries the main language was The Middle English, although the French influence was important
1.3 National Stereotypes
They come from novels, television, films - Examples: Mary Poppins ( the English rose- pretty but not beautiful), Jane Austen (large country houses), England is only London, Oxford, Cambridge, public schools, Hogwarts. Stereotypes promoted by the tourist industry: House of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London… Tourists want to see only the traditional part of the country British people want to be known for their humour, eccentricity, moderation
Negative stereotypes Bad food, poor dress sense, lack of cleanliness, snobbishness, hypocrisy, football hooliganism Kids pick up some germs! Other stereotypes for:
THE WELSH nation of singers, miners, druids, rugby players
THE IRISH drinkers, talkers, musicians, writers, very religious
1.4 Generalisation LOVE OF TRADITION The British are describes as conservative because of the Royal family and because of some conservative politicians. UK is not so traditional ; there is a heavily urbanized and highly multicultural society. School uniforms are still the norm. CLASS CONSCIOUSNESS Britain is a class ridden society and people are aware of their social class. This is because of no revolutions to upset the status quo + the structures have evolved gradually. Snobbery is present in every society. In Britain INVERTED SNOBBERY ( disdaining things connected with wealth); intellectuals used to malign middle class and to praise the honesty of working class life. A lot of people say that they are from the w. class, although their income is for the middle class. Some claim that Britain is a classless society after the Thatcher revolution, but facts prove them wrong. Blair and other politicians graduated in Oxbridge and a lot of people from lower social classes cannot go there because of their income. Social classes are for people an integral part of British society. The Labour party gets support from workers, teachers, social and clerical workers. From the 80’s a new class has been created rich
entrepreneurial class (people from lower class backgrounds become rich). Another important thing is the ACCENT. People divide themselves in various classes because of their accent. LOVE OF THE COUNTRYSIDE The British have a very idealized attachment to the countryside. They dream to live in a cottage but nowadays the UK is industrial and even the countryside is full of factories. The only less spoilt zones are not affordable to normal people. The 2 countries, which are the favorite of the British, are Spain and France. A SENSE OF FAIR PLAY good sportsmanship, good sport: accept losing gracefully and the ability of laughing at themselves. “Supporting the underdog” means to support the smaller team. Nowadays this sense of fair play is less used, because of the entertainment industry for big teams is not important to take part, but to win! SUSPICION OF CLEVERNESS The British are down to earth, pragmatic and practical so they have a great faith in the common sense. There is a less faith in academics and it’s not tradition to bring university professors into government. Cleverness is for the British shrewd, sly, furtive, sneaking, un-English, un-Scottish, un-Welsh. A SENSE OF HUMOUR Humour is popular in Britain and forms a large proportion of television production. In every program is expected a general joking. The British are keen on irony, but it can be easily spill over into sarcasm. “GSOH” means: good senso of humour. The British are also reluctant to complain about poor service and they pretend to be fine, even when they are not. ANIMAL LOVERS There are a lot of animal charities in Britain (RSPCA, PDSA, cats Protection). People give them a lot of money every year. They have a soft spot for donkeys too. The BBC is famous for its wildlife documentaries. There is also a passion for horses and horse riding. A lot of teenagers take riding lessons. The British are less attached to pedigree dogs and they are against the transportation of animals. Another passion is bird watching or birding and the “twitchers” travel around the world to see a rare species of birds MULTICULTURAL BRITAIN Immigration : In 1948 British Nationality act British citizenship to Commonwealth citizens (they had the right to live in Britain)
Natural step to move to England after war
A higher standard of living
People from Poland, Italy, Ireland
Other people moved because of an uncertain future in their country or because of religious/political persecution
The first arrivals : Afro-Caribbeans, then Indians and Pakistanis
Certain cities became known for their ethnical communities
Discrimination:
Many immigrants were received with hostility
Riots
The law gradually changed difficult to make migration
Britain encourage them to maintain their identity, tradition
General tolerance - In 1987 4 non-white MPs were elected
Ethnic communities
Indians and Chinese integrated most successfully
Pakistanis and Bangladeshis suffer from higher unemployment and lower incomes
The poorest are predominantly Muslims (unqualified)
Bangladeshi youngsters have rapidly improved
The top performing ethnic group in school is the Chinese
Black Africans are most likely to have an university degree
Changed Britain
Racial and ethnic mix on the streets
Certain employment areas with a high proportion of immigrants
Different cultural traditions, languages and religions
Many mosques and temples
Children learn sth about religions
Mark non-Christian festivals
Street festivals associated with ethnic cultures
Food
Great impact on the British diet
Britain absorbs and adapts external influences
Indian food industry! - GO FOR AN INDIAN! -In supermarkets : ready-made Indians meals
The arts
Greatest influence from the Caribbean – reggae and ska
Films set among the British Asian community
Bollywood is te second largest category in Britain
Non-white newsreaders
Multiculturalism
Has become a widely accepted one in B society, media, education system
Celebrating racial and ethnic diversity
This multiculturalism is likely to become more marked in the future
Those born in Britain call themselves as Britiish
Proud of their mixed heritage
New immigration
The UK population increased half of them were born abroad
The largest immigrant communities are still the Chinese, Irish, South Asian
Now also people from Eastern Europe countries : from Poland!
Multilingualism
Community languages spoken by members of minority groups -
The most frequent are: Punjabi, Gujarati, Turkish
Primary schools offer at least 35 languages
1.5 An A-Z of Britishness
2. THE FOUR NATIONS
2.1 SCOTLAND History Prior the Acts of Union, Scotland had many centuries of INDEPENDENCE The Scots arrived in the 4th century AD. With the CELTIC PICTS they fight against the Vikings Alba = Gaelic name for Scotland Kingdom of Alba The wars of Scottish independence 1296, battles against the British, main leaders: William Wallace, Robert the Bruce (defeated the B. in the Battle of Bannockburn – 1314) Highlands and Lowlands Scotland divided into 2 parts: THE GAELIC-SPEAKING HIGHLANDS and THE ENGLISH OR SCOTSSPEAKING LOWLANDS. The Highlands was the clan system, which was derived from both Celtic and Norse traditions The Lowlands were subject to attack because they were near England The H. became the centre of the JACOBITE REBELLION – 18TH century When Elizabeth I died, The STUARTS GLORIOUS REVOLUTION In 1688 James II, the last Catholic monarch of England, Scotland and Ireland, was deposed by the E. Parliament and replaced by his daughter Mary James, his son and his grandson tried to return to the throne unsuccessful His grandson – Bonnie Prince Charlie defeated by the English army at the BATTLE OF CULLODEN His army was from the Highlands so they faced brutal repression They were: troublesome savages who spoke a foreign language Very limited rights : HIGHLAND CLEARANCES clearing large areas of Scotland Highlands culture What we know about their culture is reinvented by the Romantic revival Kilts and tartans became fashionable (18th century) as symbol of Scottish national identity Burns’ night On 25th January celebration of the life and work of Scotland’s national poet
The Scottish Enlightenment In the 18th century intellectual and scientific development First public educational system Robert Adam, James Boswell, David Hume, James Watt, Mungo Park Devolution Scotland retained a large measure of autonomy judicial, educational system Bank of Scotland Tony Blair’s government in 1998 the Scottish parliament was established General Information The Scottish live mostly in Edimburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen Their flag is blue with the St Andrew’s cross His saint’s day = 30th November Language Scottish Gaelic Celtic language related to Irish Scots is recognized as a regional language Flower or Scotland Is an unofficial anthem It’s written by Roy Williamson It refers to the Scottish victory over the English in 1314
2.2 WALES History No independence period under English nomination since 1284 The last native king was defeated in 1277 King Edward built castles in the North Wales Rebellions In the next decade They retained their identity through culture, language Welsh traditions created in the 19th century In the 19th century growth of the population because of the coal mining and related industry Cardiff, Swansea and Newport increased in size
The division between the English-speaking south (industry) and the Welsh-speaking rural north INCREASED In the 1955 development of a different political identity In 1993 Language Act – it gave the language equal status to English In 1997 a referendum only 50.3 voted in favour of a Welsh assembly General information The capital : Cardiff The patron: Saint David – 1st March The flag: the Red Dragon of Cadwallader The Welsh language 20% of the population speak Welsh 28% understand it Welsh is the first language in the rural north and west
2.3 NORTHERN IRELAND Ireland Northern Ireland separated from Ireland in 1922 with the conflict The Troubles (20th C.) The colonisation by the English started in the 16th century Land was confiscated by the E and given to PLANTERS This process accelerated in the 17th century Oliver Cromwell Veterans from wars recieved land and gradually the new settlers formed the new ruling class BATTLE OF BOYNE victory of the British Protestants against the Irish Catholics This battle celebrated every year by the ORANGE ORDER Irish catholics had no rights and their language was supressed Irish Parliament was abolished and Ireland became part of the UK The Great Famine
low ebb in the 19th century Great Famine or Irish Potato Famine of 1845 -1851 Ireland was an agricultural nation, very poor People had to pay pay rent for their land Many labourers were without work The potato was the staple diet When it struck drammatic effect Government in London didn't care The POOR LAWS families were forced to build stone roads The famine lasted for 6 years Millions of Irish people left the country America, Canada, Britain Civil war and partition The Easter Rising in Dublin in 1916 organised by the Republican Brotherhood lasted only 6 days but it was a turning point for rebellion Split between Republicans ( only way – army) and Nationalist (negotiation) In 1921 Ireland devided into Northern and Southern parts Civil war between who accepted it and who saw it as a betrayal The second group lost In 1922 the Irish Free State was born In 1949 it left the Commonwealth and it became the Republic of Ireland or Eire Ulster or the Six Countries Unionis supporters of the link with Britain called the province ULSTER The others nationalist SIX COUNTRIES, because 26 of Irelands' countries formed the Irish Free State, while 6 of them remained part of Britain The Troubles The Unionists were in favour of the union with Britain The Nationalist or Republicans for the separation -
The N.I. government dominated by
the Protestant community + discrimination against the Catholic minority Electoral boundaries ADJUSTED Protestants' control of town councils In the 60s Catholic civil rights movement began Reforms were not allowed
In 69 in Belfast and Derry riots Army sent there At first army was welcomed by the Catholics BLOODY SUNDAY 30th January 1972, unarmed civilians were fired upon the Nationalist turned against the British army Paramilitary groups became very active One of them PROVISIONAL IRA, that had broken away from the IRA The Ulster side = UDA, UVF Both sides started shooting, bombing In the 1972 the N.I parliament was SUSPENDED Violence for 3 decades The British government suspended many legal rights Exstremist groups recruited new members In the 1998 GOOD FRIDAY Both communities alter its constitution and recognised its right to exist In the 21st century official end of violence Problems still remain
3. From Victoria to the new millenium After her death, her ideals continued discontent among ordinary working people very poor conditions political change : introduction of a salary for MP's
3.1 WORLD WAR I the most dramatic event - over a million B soldiers were killed, 2 millions were injured the young men involved : the lost generation BATTLE OF SOMME – from July to November 1916 1. July 16 the bloodiestday in the history of the British Army
The WW1 is remembered on Remembrance Day or Armistice Daz (11th November) The Armistice Day is called Poppy day - Why poppy? Because it is the colour of blood + it grew in the trenches
3.2 THE AFTERMATH OF WAR The war brought many social and economic changes People from different social classes were together in war The HOUSING ACT the returning soldiers would recieve a house Women had to take male roles SUFFRAGE MOVEMENT led by Emmeline Pankhurst
3.3 THE GREAT DEPRESSION After WW1 1929 - The most significant economic depression The worst affected North of England and Wales – unemployment reached 70% GENERAL STRIKE in 1926 for coal miners In October 1936 Jarrow March or Jarrow Crusade PROTEST The industry improved at the beginning of WW2 need for armaments GEORGE ORWELL
3.4 WORLD WAR II Continuation of the previous war Britain suffered only a half of the casualties Many more civilian casualties + war closer to home Britain prepared for total war Barrage baloons deter low-flying aircraft Children evaquated, gas masks were issued When the Nazis conquered France, Belgium, Norway.. Britain stood alone Neville Chamberlaine resigned, replaced by Winston CHURCHILL -
War-time leader
In 1940 the Royal air Force successfully resisted the Nazi's attacks DUNKIRK
The Dunkirk evacuation Took place between 26 May and 4th June 1940 300.000 soldiers were rescued by assembled fleet of boats. Miracle of deliverance The Dunkirk spirit the solidariety of British people THE BLITZ Blitz spirit - It refers to the intensive bombing of Britain by Germans 40/41 A million houses destroyed Then Hitler turned his attension eastwards – Russia WARTIME SPIRIT For the English the war was seen in a different perspective No invasions, occupations, attrocities Britain was not invaded They saw themselves as the good guys(no cooperation with the Nazzi's) A strong sense of common purpose Single women had an important role : worked in war industries or joined the Women's Land Army They bacem rfadar operators, mechanics, truck drivers Women finally could make a contribution to the war Government propaganda contributed to the feeling of UNITY The RADIO Important - VERA LYNN the Forces' Sweetheart
3.5 THE POST-WAR PERIOD Churchill was rejected by the voters in 1945 The Labour won because their voters were soldiers They did not trust a Conservative government
The Labour programme contained many socialist elements nationalisation of key industries, 1/5 economy under public ownership NHS – care for everyone in the country regardless of their income WELFARE STATE War debt and economy was struggling Food rationing, rationing of bread In the 1951 Churchill came back to power -
decline as a leading country( the world was
enetering the cold-war period between two world powers, the soviet union and the USA) Loss of English colonies Britain managed to avoid the level of conflict COMMONWEALTH intergovernmental organisation of 53 independent member states
3.6 THE FIFTIES Grey, conformist period For women unwelcome return to home Leisure more significant seaside holiday camps TV, washing machines, refrigerators, record players Cars started to become a significant part of British life
3.7 THE SWINGING SIXTIES Radical social change Certain trends began Idea of youth culture and pop culture Before, young people were like their parents In the 60s dramatic decline in respect for authority No respect for elders and betters The pop music was the dominant form of expression New subcultures: Rockers, Hippies
American artists influenced the British Lady Chatterley Trial - symbol of the social changes It talked about sex - A general relaxation of sexual attituds DEVELOPMENT OF THE PILL sexual revolution In 1964 Labour came back Sexual Offences act (homosexuality legal), The Abortion Act, the Divorce Reform Act Introduction of instructed local authorities to prepare people for the selective grammar school Students' demonstrations in Britain rebellion anti-Vietnam war Marxism had a great influence COUNTERCULTURE : The dramatic social changes + drug use + psychedelic music
3.8 THE SEVENTIES The message of the Sixties faded Economic problems, high inflation, unemployment Increased : Ecology movement and feminism ECOLOGICAL MOVEMENT nuclear power, acid rain, the ozone hole, whale hunting. Greenpeace has enjoyed growing influence FEMINISM - Equal Pay Act 1970 + the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 steps forward in the struggle for equal rights The Punk movement flourished SEX PISTOLS no future for the society
3.9 THE THATCHER YEARS The decline + crisis peak in the winter of 78/79
WINTER OF DISCONTENT
Margharet Thatcher became the first female prime Minister power till 1990
A major political figure in the world
After her third election she introduced the POLL TAX – financing local government) Anti- Europeanism, policies of shareholders, her determination to weaken the trade unions
Largely critisized in the North of England, Scotland, Wales – industry closed down
For her the important thing was the INDIVIDUAL RESPONSABILITY
A great distrust of communism and a faith in free-market
IRON LADY
3.10 NEW LABOUR AND THE NEW MILLENIUM In 1997 the Labour Party won again Tony Blair He called it NEW LABOUR – a compromise between liberal and social democracy Thatcherism continued, he was unsuccessful He won 3 times because of a booming economy He resigned in 2007 He put a lot of money in health and education After him : Gordon Brown
8. RELIGION 8.1. The state of religion in Britain Christianity is in a state of decline Half of Britons have no religious affiliation Atheists or agnostics “Cultural Christians” religion is part of their cultural heritage “Passive Christianity” general respect for some tenets of C. C. is seen as a matter of shared moral values
8.2 The Church of England Anglican church - Official church headed by the monarchs The monarch is crowned by the Archbishop Mixture of Catholic and Reformed elements High Church” : mass in latin “Low Church” : teachings of scriptures Catholics : God’s intermediaries, able to hear confession Anglicans : more pastoral, they visits the old, sick.. No CELIBACY The Anglican church plays a less controversial social role -
Liberal view on abortion, not
against contraception It makes fewer efforts to exert political influence -
Church leaders have talked about
important social issues : conflict with the government Churches : events, groups Not clear how many members it has Schools connected with church
8.3 The Catholic Church 5mio Roman Catholics mostly in Northern Ireland General suspicion of Catholicism in England Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Church of Scotland : The KIRK; is Presbyteria Governed by non-clerical elders and led by a moderator No set prayer book Scripture reading or hymn singing
8.4 SCOTLAND, WALES AND NORTHERN IRELAND Church of Ireland Part of the Anglican Communion
The Church of Wales Anglican, not a significant role Nonconformist groups encourage individuals to experience God personally Methodism : unordained preachers
8.5 Other Christian groups Baptist churches believe in adult baptism by full immersion Pentecostal churches emphasize inspiration by the Holy spirit The Quakers is a non-hierarchical sect, they are small but with a great social influence They are in favour of women’s rights, universal education.. Their schools are good, well – known scientist, writers and academics Salvation Army : founded in 1865 to bring material help for the hungry They wear uniforms
8.6 Other Religions JUDAISM : second largest Jewish population in Britain They were expelled, then Cromwell allowed them to come back In 1858 they were allowed to participate in walks of life, including parliament Great wave of Jewish migration Successful in business, media, arts, science, academia.. ISLAM: Wave of large-scale immigration from the Indian subcontinent 80 Muslim primary schools They are the most marginalized religious group in Britain HINDUISM: Guajarati or Punjab origin From East Africa’s Asian communities The flourishing ones SIKHISM: wear turbans, uncut hair and beard.
OTHER RELIGIONS AND BELIEFS: Buddhism: very popular ; a lot of Britons have converted Rastafarians : reggae music, Bob Marley, dreadlocks New Age: spiritual beliefs Connection with the Eastern cultures An interest in yoga, veganism, vegetarianism, Chinese medicine, Celtic myths and culture Dissatisfaction with emptiness and materialism
5 POLITICAL LIFE The houses of parliament The P is the supreme legislative institution It has 2 chambers : UPPER HOUSE (HOUSE OF LORDS) and LOWER HOUSE (HOUSE OF COMMONS) The Palace of Westminster is known as the Houses of Parliament The word : parliament used from the 13th century The Commons representatives are from countries, towns and cities The Lords : nobility and clergy The power of the House of Lords is very limited The House of Commons Has 646 members It elects its own Speaker (predsednik drzavnega zbora) He decides who speaks in debates Once he passed on the Commons’ opinions to the monarch Some written rules on how the Parliament works The H. of C. is not round, but RECTANGULAR It has 5 rows The leading members of the two main parties sit on the front Other members are known as BACKBENCHERS Not everyone has their own seat not enough place Only MPs are allowed on the floor of the chamber Voting is not simple
Members walk into different areas dividing the Hose Division lobbies The Speaker asks members to call out whether they agree with the first vote If it’s not clear : divison takes place Members have 8min to vote Votes are counted by tellers The result is announced by the Speaker The main roles of parliament : examine the work of the government, debeate and pass laws The government has to answer during meetings of the p. committees Government loses the confidence: PM resigns The Commons has little control over the government The PM can ask for dissolution at any time – not a minimum term Government publish detailed proposals for legislation : GREEN PAPERS – WHITE PAPERS The first reading is the formal announcement of the bill The second reading is when the general principles are debated and a vote is taken Then the bill goes to committee stage Then is discussed in the House – report stage The third reading is the final debate Then is sent to the H of Lords for discussion Returns to the Commons for the final vote Royal assent -
The parliamentary sessions starts with the State Opening of Parliament
The Sovereign addresses members of both houses The Queen has a speech written by the Prime Minister’s office The Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod the door is slammed in his face – tradition The Electoral System 646 electoral areas You need a simple majority – not the absolute m It’s possible to win with less than half the votes It seems unfair It leads to strong, single-party governments
Coalitions are possible, but not common Disadvantages : small parties do badly The Green Party has never win a seat The two-party system : only main parties in the UK No party lists so if an MP dies, resign an election has to be held This is : BY – ELECTION A lot of media attention The election campaign The political parties release their manifestos, setting out their programme Glossy brochures, political broadcasts Uplifting message from the leader Travel around the country – battles Before “ polling day” the spin doctors go to everybody asking if they have understood everything.. NO ELECTORAL SILENCE as in Slovenia The voters have to put a cross next to the name of their favourite one You can be elected with far fewer votes The date is up to the PM Candidates: have to have 10 voters and pay 500 punds No need to be in a party Voting is not compulsory Political Parties The Labour : interests of ordinary working people The Conservatives : the traditional ruling elite Now : no differences Labour is a left of the centre party – social service provision, defender of welfare state , Conservatives are right centre, believe in reducing income taxes, hierarchical social structure The Conservatives under Margaret Thatcher introduced free market, radically cut taxes, privatized large sectors Labour voters are from the lower social class + small part of the middle class Cons. Voters: the others
The Liberal Democrats : the only other sizeable party in Britain They are slightly left of centre, pro-European The House of Lords -
In the 15th century the Commons – on the same level as the
Lords Removed the powers of the Lords They can review the new legislation Reform : no longer constituted on a hereditary basis 92 of the hereditary peers lost their right to sit and vote It has 751 members , do not receive a salary 609 life peers – retired politicians Selected representatives from walks of life The Speaker sits on the Woolsack The H of L functioned as the final court of appeal in civil cases Now a separate Supreme Court will be set up The Government Is the executive body responsible for running the country Members selected by the Prime Minister May be members of House of Lords No tradition of appointing members from outside parliament Ministers do not have to be approved by parliament They have to be from the PM’s party B government has 126 members Collective responsibility : every member shares responsibility for its decisions and action. If they want to criticize the government, they must resign The Prime Minister Is the leader of the party The day after the election, he has a meeting with the monarch Then moves into the official residence
He coordinates its policy He informs the Queen about government business He has more power than the Slovene counterpart No need to compromise with coalition partners The Cabinet It is the government’s inner committee and decision-making body Senior government ministers The main opposition party creates the Shadow Cabinet The PM is the first among equals He makes frequent changes - refreshing the government Cabinet reshuffle Little emphasize on expertise ministers can change sector The Cabinet has 23 members The finance minister is the second most important figure Then : The Home Office and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office The Chief Whip runs the Whips Office and is responsible for the party discipline The whips try to ensure that MPs vote along party lines The Chief send a letter to the MP how they are to vote It can be underlined 1, 2 or 3 times Defiance of the three-line whip -> expulsion from the party If you are ill, you have to vote, if you are abroad, you have to return home The Civil Service Is the public administration in Britain It covers 66 executive agencies and 23 Whitehall departments Whitehall : the road running from Parliament to Trafalgar Square The highest civil servant : THE CABINET SECRETARY They work behind the scene, politically neutral They are employees of the Crown With a new government, they retain their posts They may exercise a bit of influence or power
Local Government Britain : centralized system of government Local authorities has power.. given them by the central g Local representatives are COUNCILLORS They meet in the council chamber of the local town hall Many countries coincide with the old countries or shires The metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas are divided into districts Districts are divided into civil parishes The Monarchy Not a lot of power Symbolic role Head of the Church of England Its popularity rises and falls The royal family The Windsors are German by origin The current heir to the throne is Charles
6 LAW AND ORDER The Judicial System No single unified judicial system Exceptions : immigration law, employment law In other countries : Roman law In England Scotland : civil law Codified Interpreted by judges They have to decide in line with previous judges
E. law : solving individual disputes In civil and criminal cases : 2 sides or parties (the defence and the prosecution) Crown Prosecution service makes a decision after hearing arguments Witnesses can be called to witness After this: cross examination All the courts are administered by Her Majesty’s Court service The main courts : MAGISTRATES courts, country c, crown c Magistrates’ courts are not trained by lawyers à respected citizens Not paid The punishment is not so bad à the maximum is 6 month in jail Serious cases start in the magistrates’ court but end in a crown court, which is presided over by a qualified judge The crown court : jury of 12 people selected at random Not paid 10 members must agree to reach a verdict If not : the process starts again Court of appeal : CORTE D’APPELLO The House of Lords has been the final court of appeal Civil cases involving private disputes : are tried in a country court In Scotland : law different 15 members in juries rather than 12 The age of legal capacity is 16 not 18 Trial lawyers are called advocates NOT barristers The legal profession 2 kinds of lawyers : SOLICITORS AND BARRISTERS Solicitors : handle everyday legal matters (wills, divorce) ; they present casaes in magistrates’ They are specialized in special areas Barristers:: present cases in higher courts General principles of law
Dressed in wig and gown In E you can become a lawyer without a law degree Solicitors have to practice for 1 year in a course years part-time taining 2 Barristers have more work : degree in law + 1 year conversion course, then you join 1 of the 4 inns of Court in London When you do this : twelve qualifying sessions They must do a year’s pupilage TAKING SILK -
Judges are appointed among barristers
They remain politically independent Highly paid and they are out of touch with ordinary people The Police Not friendly anymore Police in the 70s were under political and public pressure to get results Police violence and threats against people Sometimes they were racist to ethnical groups Search for black policemen Problem not really solved People used to think that police was manipulated by the government This opinion faded No national police force à only New Scotland Yard The anti-Terrorist Branch and the Special Branch Internal counter- intelligence – MI 5 and MI 6 Uniformed and plain clothes officers Crime and fear of crime People think that crime has increased although the statistic prove it wrong This opinion : caused by the media Children are not allowed to play outside unsupervised There was a increase in the number of burglaries and of cars broken or stolen
New companies supplying security equipment Slovenia has a slightly higher rate than the Uk in MURDER Government is emphasizing that crime has fallen Drinking among young people : increased
9 THE MEDIA, THE ARTS AND SPORT The media : the press, television, radio, online media THE PRESS : British newspaper readers! Online newspapers, free papers ; no kiosks like in Slovenia but there are small newsstands in cities; FLEET STREET : Street where newsstands used to be based DAILY NEWSPAPERS Divided into 2 categories BROADSHEETS (like Delo) and TABLOIDS : Different in size, content and level of seriousness ( The Daily Telegraph, The Independent, The Guardian..). Their online version is very popular. Differences not so big anymore. They are not connected to any political party. MAGAZINES AND WEEKLIES 1000 of them. The best known is The Economist RADIO AND TELEVISION : THE BBC The world’s largest broadcaster. Founded in 1922. Television broadcasts began in 1936 – suspended during the War. The BBC receives no money from the government. Known : BROADCASTING HOUSE run by the BBC Trust. The major radio stations are: Radio 1, Radio 2, Radio 3, Radio 4, Radio 5. There are also separated stations for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The main television channels are: BBC One and BBC Two (Educational programs) COMMERCIAL TELEVISION CHANNELS They rely on advertising for their income. ITV is a channel. It is similar to BBC Two TELEVISION PROGRAMMES soap operas (Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale, The Bill..). Comedies have a great worldwide reputation. Nowadays : reality shows, chat shows. Differences B + Slo = in Britain : NO foreign language programs. The arts: better say arts than culture. Arts: paintings, sculpture, conceptual art, literature, visual arts (painting and sculpture), performing arts (ballet, music). High culture is patronized by the social elite. Popular culture is dominated by celebrities. During the Thatcher government, money wasn’t given by the state. Now money comes from National Lottery funds.
THE STAGE the arts are less ideological or politicized than in many countries. Conventional.. In the British theatre the constant theme is: SOCIAL THEME. VISUAL ARTS unconventional content and approaches. A massive increase in public interest in art. LITERATURE The best artists are novelists. The most famous literary award is the BOOKER PRIZE. ARTS FESTIVALS the biggest: the Edimburgh Festival. The best known classical music festival is THE PROMS MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES the most visited museum : the British Museum. The most visited art galleries : The Tate Modern, National Gallery Sport: important in Britain, strong belief in team sports. POPULAR SPORTS main sports : football, cricket and rugby (rugby league and rugby union). Individual sports do not attract crowds: golf, tennis. Swimming… Certain sports are spectator sports: boxing, wrestling.. Bowls is a popular pastime. School sports : rounders, netball, field hockey. No British teams but teams representing England, Scotland.. No interest in basketball, hockey, skiing HUNTING AND FISHING pastimes. Fly fishing and sea fishing. The hunting of foxes is banned. CRICKET Often described as a national game. GAMBLING Betting on horses was very popular.
10 Home, sweet home Sense of privacy = very strong nation of house dwellers detached houses, semi-detached houses in residential areas high fences or hedges (to not overlook), small porch, extra door between the house and the outside modern houses are in the North American style The English are not attached to their houses sell them
FLAT DWELLING flats outside London – negative image right to buy” policy : introduced by the Thatcher government all the best public housing was sold off the flats built in the 60s in Manchester had heat problems and people could not afford to pay everything. some flats were declared “unfit for habitation” a new trend : transformation of old industrial towns into residential areas with luxury flats private flats : people living on their own and childless couples the poorest housing is in the inner city areas A TYPICAL HOUSE Brick-built, semi-detached or terraced, with a hall, living-room, kitchen, dining room + three bedrooms In some parts of the country : local stone better than bricks the British don’t talk about the size of their house each room. prize of a house position, convenient access to the public transports it is rare for people to build their houses built and sold by building companies the architectural design conservative first people rent a house, then they buy a “ starter home” at the beginning they get a tax relief THE RURAL DREAM Dream: a cottage in the country flowery curtains, chintzysuite FARMHOUSES in the country rich farmers or large landowners small farmers go to the city no money some schools in the villages – closed
village shops – closed SUBURBIA When you cannot afford to live in the countryside lifestyle – not bad streets are quiet, safe.. for young people – deadly dull DECOR AND DIY décor is fussier than in Slovenes homes range of colours – great minimalist interiors are rare DIY = do it yourself improvements in the house for larger projects : professional builders The way we live now MOBILITY rather move than stay in a place forever moving because of better schools, new jobs FRIENDSHIP different circles of friends (sport, school, job) friendship impermanent FAMILY TIES great degree of independence and self reliance the typical family : nuclear, grandparents have a marginal role “PATCHWORK FAMILY” is a two-generational affair no “dvostanovanjska hisa” in Britain grandparents are NOT babysitting their grandsons
parents leave their kids independence at the age of 18 they move healthy process young people look for support , financial and emotional, away from the family Elderly people live on their own when they retire they move to a smaller property HOME HELPS , MEELS ON WHEELS pomoc za stare a very few retirement communities they may end up in a residential home – private care home or nursing home cheaper state has to provide for basic care for the children THE ROLE OF WOMEN 70% of women have paid employment employed in service industries, part-time some of them leave their job for their children they often do part-time or jobs in the voluntary sector SOCIAL DIFFERENCES, SOCIAL PROBLEMS differences are more apparent than in Slovenia In inner city areas more unemployment, crime, vandalism social problems : teen pregnancies, excessive under-age drinking, drug abuse among the young “ the leafy suburbs” where the middle-class people live awareness of social contrast rich and poor houses can be near gentrification renovation of a house in bad condition in a poor area TIME working day : 9 to 5 schools start at 9 o’clock
evening rush hour : from 5 to 7 quality time: spending time with kids WEEKENDS AND BANK HOLIDAYS the busiest time is Saturday they don’t go away on holiday like in Slovenia Sunday day to “ have a lie-in” + day for sport events they like buying old and second- hand things things have been donated by members of the public order students like vintage things (retro) bank holidays 3 banks holiday (always on Monday) : May Day, Spring Holiday and Summer Holiday A TRIP TO THE SEASIDE seaside resorts people go there on weekends + bank holidays play on the beach, walk, short donkey rides on the beach , funfairs.. the most popular seaside resort is Blackpool each resort has sth different to offer OTHER DAYS OUT Picturesque country village, tearoom, village pub. “stately home” Various theme museums FOOD AND DRINK frequently cooked dishes are spaghetti alla Bolognese, chilly con carne, lasagne a lot of cookery programs they try to cook well, they can’t no one has a “full English breakfast” “afternoon tea” – offered only in tea room or hotels
lunch = not common , sandwich, snacks.. workplace canteen for those doing more physically demanding work no malica in Britain the main meal = in the evening 2 dinners – 1 for kids 1 for parents oriental cuisine is very popular popularity of fast foods Italian and Chinese restaurant = Popular entertaining at home by inviting people “ going Dutch” = split the bill between them friends in the garden eating desserts they buy very often drinks for each other buying a round once pubs closed at 10.30 pm, now whenever they want whisky, dark beer, Bitter, plenty of wine bars roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, Sunday joints = traditional food the “ fry-up” = a staple part of the diet similar to the full English breakfast puddings, fruit pies, crumbles with custard, sponge or steamed suet puddings, bread pudding, rice pudding….
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