Chavs cover art

Chavs

The Demonization of the Working Class

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Chavs

By: Owen Jones
Narrated by: Leighton Pugh
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About this listen

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.

©2016 Owen Jones (P)2017 Audible, Ltd Europe Great Britain Politics & Government Social Classes & Economic Disparity Social Policy Social Sciences Sociology Socialism Thought-Provoking Capitalism Economic inequality Economic disparity Social justice Taxation Government

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All stars
Most relevant  
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.

A really good listen, and do right in many ways

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Lots of myths exposed. It is clear how the establishment have pitted the poor against each other and blamed them for their own poverty.

interesting and well researched

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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..

Needs an update

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Insightful and valuable: an impressive culmination of Jones' journalistic research on class in the UK.

Illuminating work into the UK class structure

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Memorable facts - the narrator was clear and concise. Also he distinguished the clash of class within the British Society.

An Educational Listen

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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.

The portrayal and betrayal of the Working Class

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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.

Sometimes a book will widen your perspective.

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the audiobook would have been better had the narrator not do impersonations for each public figure

odd narration

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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.

Very timely, very relevant

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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

An insightful read

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