ABSTRACT

Having reviewed a number of potential approaches to the question of British cultural identity, we have chosen to structure our book into seven chapters. We have headed each chapter with a timeline because one needs to be aware of ‘public’ events which shape people’s private experiences. After each of the chapters we have included review exercises which allow the development of discussion on issues which British people themselves debate. In order to inform discussion we have included some ‘cultural examples’. These are items, mainly from popular culture, which people value. They include films, television, drama, novels, social commentaries and other artefacts which illustrate the cultural state of the nation. They are not academic references, but signposts towards cultural understanding.