Sam Wetherell, "Liverpool and the Unmaking of Britain" (Bloomsbury, 2025)
Apr 10, 2025
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Sam Wetherell, a Senior Lecturer at the University of York and author, dives into the complex history of Liverpool. He discusses how the city's narrative reveals both state neglect and inspiring community solidarity. Key topics include the impact of technology on dock work, the overlooked roles of women and marginalized communities, and the evolution of public health responses. Wetherell offers Liverpool as a lens to understand broader societal challenges in Britain, blending stories of resistance and resilience amid change.
Liverpool's history exemplifies both state neglect and community solidarity, highlighting its dual role as a blueprint for national pessimism and optimism.
The examination of obsolescence in Liverpool reveals critical insights into socio-political inequalities and the impact of historical patterns on contemporary issues.
Deep dives
Liverpool's Marginalized Historical Narrative
Liverpool's unique historical context has often been overlooked in broader narratives of British history, as historians have identified it as an exception rather than a model. The city's economy has long been governed by trade instead of industrialization, and its political landscape was deeply influenced by Irish nationalism, unlike other northern cities. While local historians have documented Liverpool's distinct features, the prevailing historical discourse tends to exclude its complexities, making it seem peripheral to the major themes of modern Britain's development. This absence raises critical questions about how Liverpool's experiences may actually reflect broader socio-political issues facing the nation today, revealing it as a crucial lens through which to understand contemporary Britain.
The Concept of Obsolescence
Obsolescence is explored as a multifaceted concept that transcends its typical association with consumer products, incorporating physical, environmental, human, and social dimensions. The infrastructure and jobs specifically designed for Liverpool's historical economic foundations have become outdated, leading to a stark contrast between the city's architectural persistence and the decline of its supporting industries. Additionally, this concept captures the profound shifts experienced by the working population, marked by deteriorating conditions and a loss of purpose due to changes in economic demands. By examining the ramifications of obsolescence, the discussion emphasizes that Liverpool's past offers potential insights into managing the challenges of contemporary economic decline and societal change.
Post-War Responses to Surplus Populations
The post-World War II era experienced significant shifts in Liverpool, particularly concerning surplus populations deemed unwanted due to economic transformations. The state undertook large-scale development projects aimed at resettling white working-class communities into new housing and job opportunities, often leaving marginalized groups, particularly Black and Chinese populations, without similar support. During this time, their experiences were often marked by systemic racism and state violence while white communities benefitted from job security and housing improvements. This bifurcated approach to policy underscores the racial inequalities that have historically shaped urban development and continues to resonate in present discussions about social justice and representation.
Grassroots Health Initiatives and Activism
Grassroots responses to public health crises in Liverpool demonstrate significant shifts in community solidarity and social change, fostering unique forms of kinship amid structural neglect. Initiatives emerged, such as clandestine needle exchanges during the AIDS crisis, and local networks preventing unwanted interventions from state authorities, reflecting a proactive approach to health and well-being. Additionally, organizations led by women showcased radical political consciousness, advocating for the recognition of domestic labor and the impact of socio-economic changes on marginalized communities. These examples highlight how grassroots activism has the potential to reshape public health strategies, prioritizing human connections and collective care over punitive measures.
What does the history of Liverpool tell us about the future of Britain? In Liverpool and the Unmaking of Britain(Bloomsbury, 2025),Sam Wetherall, a Senior Lecturer in the History of Britain and the World at the University of York, tells the story of the city through the lens of ‘obsolesce’. This powerful framework structures a narrative that sees the story of Liverpool as both one of state ineffectiveness, indifference, and brutality, and one of solidarity and alternative forms of community and organising. The analysis is rich with details, ranging widely across the city’s rich social, cultural and economic story. Offering Liverpool as a blueprint for pessimism and optimism, the book is essential reading across the humanities, social scientists, and anyone interested in politics, culture and society today.
