The modern social history by Edward Royle

In his book, the modern social history, Edward Royle gives an explicit discussion about the social practices of the Britons. Royle focuses on the changing trends within the social structures of Britain since the nineteenth century.Advertising We will write a custom book review sample on The modern social history by Edward Royle specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More He enlightens the society on the social, economic and political development of England by focusing on the environmental issues, religion, migration, poverty, education, life and leisure, transport and governing systems among others. More so, he gives the social changes in the aforementioned areas especially with the commencement of modernization in Britain. Alluding from other sociologists like Michael Anderson, Royle enlighten the society on Britain’s social history. Intuitively, the next discussion gives a brief review of the dynamic human relationships experienced by the Britons especially in relation to the aforementioned social structures. The dynamic environmental structures in Britain like rivers, vast land and mineral resources among others accelerated the social and economic development of Britain. Although availability of land boosted agriculture, the problem of land ownership always proved to be a challenge to the unity of Britons. Transport development combined with government assistance boosted agriculture because most farm produce easily reached the market. In the mid twentieth century, the introduction of well communication system and adequate electricity improved both the environment development and agricultural production. The railway system (steam trains), water/canal and road transport initiated the economic development of Britain. Besides, the roads linking different towns the availability of bicycles also quickened the movement of people. Due to improved transport systems, there was easier movement of people and farm produce thus hastening the economic/social growth of Britain. Although the railway transport accelerated the movement of heavy goods and people especially in towns, the coaches promoted social class among the Britons.Advertising Looking for book review on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The emergence of electric train in the twentieth century became a breakthrough in the transport system. However, in the mid twentieth century buses became available thus killing the use of the expensive electric trains. The air transport initiated movement of goods and people overseas. In addition, the defined transport system and industrialization era in Britain accelerated the convergence of people especially those who sought employment. Unfortunately, the growth of urban cities presented social and administrative problems. The lack of basic needs to cater for the large urban population and political constraints emerged as most centers deve loped. Landownership and environmental pollution are the major problems experienced during the urbanization of Britain. Eventually, the poor planning policy of the urban cities and the rise of social class increased the gap between the poor and the rich. In the late twentieth century, Britain experienced population boom in the urban centers, which led to congestion especially during rush hours. The availability of labor (skilled and unskilled), urban centers, good transport systems raw materials and machinery led to the initiation of industrial revolution. Britain established coal, iron and textile industries among others, which led to the development of trading center/towns. The education system, professionalism and political identity led to the development of class system in Britain. Initially, few Britons had access to formal education but the development of schools, colleges and universities like Cambridge and Oxford motivated most of them to enroll in schools. According to Royl e, the Britain family system has changed from extended to nuclear family. As a social institution, the industrialization era motivated most men to adopt monogamy and contraception, which reduced the size of the family significantly.Advertising We will write a custom book review sample on The modern social history by Edward Royle specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The constitution allowed gay marriages, divorce cases increased and the number of single parents also increased. The family system in rural areas also differed with those in urban areas. Due to industrial revolution, women had chances to seek employment, which changed the role of women in the society (Kanner 871). Therefore, the household structure is still changing as the years go by. According to Royle, â€Å"there are fewer children around and far more old people, but the conditions for forming a household are different† (66). Illegitimate children, marriage tren ds and divorce cases are some of the landmarks in the family system. According to Royle, the availability of farm produce and transport system led to the population growth from about six to sixty million (52). The improved health care system and low death rate significantly contributed to the population growth in Britain. However, diseases like Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and cancer affected the population growth in the late twentieth century. Consequently, migration, emigration and immigration patterns in the British society increased. People migrated within towns or from rural to urban areas to seek employment and acquire land for agricultural purposes (Burchardt 465). In the 19th century, most regions like Norfolk, Cambridge and Rutland among others experienced population decrease due to high immigration rates (Royle 73). More over, well developed transport systems, motivated people to migrate into urban areas to seek employment. Consequently, due to population dec line in some regions the economy of areas such as South Wales tremendously decreased. The population drift experienced in the Britain society led to the loss of professionals and source of labor. The emergence of Second World War contributed to high emigration rates from Ireland and Scotland to United States and Canada among other regions. Canada, Australia and South Africa recorded the highest level of emigrants especially in 1900s (Royle 77). However, the level of emigration decreased after the Second World War. Royle cites population pressure, exchange of social activities or practices and regional economic decline as the major impacts of migration in Britain. Britain was a hub of many foreigners especially refugees who feared Christian persecution, French revolution while others ran away from war torn regions. Although they qualify as migrants, the Irish were the major immigrants of Britain followed by the Jews and other non-white races like Indians/Asians.Advertising Looking for book review on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Consequently, there was assimilation, intermarriages, racism, discrimination and social diversifications because of the immigration rate. Immigration led to the establishment of stereotypes and the aspect of multi-ethnicity emerged in the British society. The social convergence experienced in Britain in early years led to the emergence of the spiritual class or religion. Despite of Christianity especially Catholicism being the common religion, there were also protestant groups, which had different religious ideologies from the Catholics. At least six different churches were common in Britain, the established church, free church, united Presbyterians, Congregationalists and Episcopalians (Royle 374). Later on, the Quakers and the Salvation Army churches emerged. The element of social class, church leadership and popularity dictated an individual’s place of worship. The creation of secular joints and the Islamic community led to the decline in institutional churches/believers. Religion defined morality issues like sex and alcoholism. In conclusion, Royle gives a detailed sequence of the social development of Britain. He outlines various social structures that had an impact on the economic and political development of Britain. Transport, landownership, education, lifestyle and governance are some of the important elements, which contributed to the economic growth of Britain. Family system, migration and immigration are some of the areas he focuses on to enlighten the society on the social structures in Britain. Nevertheless, the world wars and the depression era had great impact on the growth of Britain. Finally, diseases like AIDS and cancer still challenge the health of Britons. Works Cited Burchardt, Jeremy. â€Å"Agricultural History, Rural History, or Countryside History?†Ã‚  Historical Journal 50.2 (2007): 465-481. Print. Kanner, Barbara. â€Å"Women in English Social History, 1800-1914.† A Guide to Research  2 (1990): 871.Print. Royl e, Edward. Modern Britain a social history 1750-1959. United Kingdom: Edward Arnold publishers, 1997. Print This book review on The modern social history by Edward Royle was written and submitted by user Jennifer Z. to help you with your own studies. 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