Episode 207: Owen Jones

In this book, Owen Jones delves into the heart of the British Establishment, examining the interlocking interests of various power structures including the Westminster cartel, the media, the police, state-dependent corporations, the financial sector, and tax evaders. Jones argues that this Establishment sustains a highly unsatisfactory status quo, perpetuating neoliberal capitalism and undermining the notion of popular sovereignty. The book is a substantial addition to recent left-wing political writing and serves as a manifesto for a new socialist Britain[2][4][5].

In this book, Owen Jones explores how the working class in Britain has been subjected to stereotypes and demonization, particularly through the pejorative term 'chav'. He argues that this stereotype is used by governments and the media to avoid addressing genuine social and economic problems and to justify widening inequality. The book delves into the political, social, and economic context that has led to the alienation of working-class communities, including the impact of neoliberal policies and the decline of trade unions. Jones also critiques the media and political establishment for perpetuating these stereotypes and offers a nuanced portrait of the complexities of working-class life in modern Britain.