ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the notion of an economic transition in the North East England. It presents the findings from a survey of over 1,600 people made redundant from the Swan Hunter's shipyard between 1993 and 1995 to elicit their subsequent fortunes in labour market. The book also presents results of an empirical study of micro-business livelihoods. It also discusses the prospects of regional politics and suggests that differences between the North East and the rest of England are likely to become more strongly emphasised over time. The book examines the nature of the relationship between economic change and regional culture. It provides a good example of the contribution that social scientific analysis can bring to the understanding of the nature of environmental problems. It also looks to the North East's countryside and explores the contribution of rural areas within the regional development agenda.
