The politics of growth: cleavage and conflict in a Tory heartland

Abstract

Have the economic and political strategies of Thatcherism created two nations? By examining changes in the structure of employment in Berkshire and relating them to recent developments in the patterns of housing provision Barlow and Savage argue that even within the prosperous counties of the South East social divisions are widening. They conclude with a reminder to the left—there are social needs to be met in the traditional Tory strongholds such as the leafy lanes of Berkshire.