"Behind our democracy lurks a powerful but unaccountable network of people who wield massive power and reap huge profits in the process. In exposing this shadowy and complex system that dominates our lives, Owen Jones sets out on a journey into the heart of our Establishment, from the lobbies of Westminster to the newsrooms, boardrooms and trading rooms of Fleet Street and the City. Exposing the revolving doors that link these worlds, and the vested interests that bind them together, Jones shows how, in claiming to work on our behalf, the people at the top are doing precisely the opposite. In fact, they represent the biggest threat to our democracy today - and it is time they were challenged".
The Establishment: And How They Get Away With It is a non-fiction book published in 2014 by the British writer and political commentator, Owen Jones. In it, Jones describes the relationships between different groups which he believes form the British Establishment. He explains the links between these groups and their purported common interest in promoting right-wing ideals, while often claiming to serve the public.
Definition: The Establishment is the dominant group or elite that holds power or authority in a nation or organisation. It may be a closed social group which selects its own members, or a specific entrenched elite structures, either in government or in specific institutions.
Synopsis:
- The Outriders - Think tanks and groups which function to push the Overton Window. Jones claims that these are groups that pose as non-partisan grassroots organisations but that actually have an agenda to push right-wing policies.
- The Overton Window is the range of ideas tolerated in public discourse, also known as the window of discourse.
- The Westminster Cartel - Discusses the political system in Britain and how it has changed over the years. It discusses the revolving door between politicians in the UK and big business.
- Mediaocracy - The system of maintaining control over a nation by utilising the media, usually perpetrated under the guise of "Freedom of Speech". A system of mediaocracy, is not limited strictly to using the mass media or mainstream media to achieve its ends. It may often use "independent" and "underground" media outlets, such as blogs and podcasts, to achieve its ends.
- In this chapter, Jones claims that the wealthy people that control much of the press have interests closely aligned with the establishment, and therefore tend to promote the establishments views, rather than the views of their readers.
- The Boys in Blue - The British police force and their role within the establishment, using incidents to highlight the complex relationships the police have with the media and politicians, and how these are often at odds with the 'policing by consent' model that the British police adopt.
- Scrounging off the State - Discusses the establishment's relationship with The State.
- Tycoons and Tax Dodgers - Discusses how big businesses in Britain avoid paying tax.
- Masters of the Universe - Discusses the financial sector, which Jones claims is a threat to British democracy.
- The Illusion of Sovereignty - Discusses the British establishments relationship with America and the EU and how that has changed over time. It discusses historical events which have shaped Britain's special relationship with America.
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