High and popular culture; race, gender and class relations; science and technology; 'Britishness' and relations with Europe - the diversity of social developments in these areas from 1945 to 2002 is explored here within a clear chronological framework. An examination of opinion polls and two major sex surveys offer fascinating insights into current social attitudes. And additional chapters bring this edition right up to date, offering a lively critique of New Labour and discussing many recent issues that affect the nation today, such as devolution in Scotland and Wales, race riots, the BSE and foot-and-mouth crises, and the effect on the economy of 11th September.