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Elites: Laurie Taylor considers why anti-elitism has become such a common staple of media and political rhetoric.

Elites: Laurie Taylor explores the anti elitism which has become a common staple of media commentary and political rhetoric. He talks to Eliane Glaser, Reader in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University, and author of a new study arguing that we are taking aim at the wrong enemy and confusing a corporate elite, which does pose a threat to many of us, with people who make our lives worth living, even save our lives – from doctors and lawyers to writers and artists. Are we letting the ‘real’ elite off the hook? They’re joined by William Davies, Professor of Political Economy at Goldsmiths, University of London, whose latest book takes stock of our historical moment and claims that the basic norms of public life have been thrown into question, as the status of political parties, mainstream media and public experts have been undermined.

Producer: Jayne Egerton

Available now

28 minutes

Last on

Mon 12 Oct 2020 00:15

READING LIST

Eliane Glaser, Elitism - A Progressive Defence (Biteback Publishing, 2020)

William Davies, This is Not Normal - The Collapse of Liberal Britain (Penguin Random House, 2020)

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Broadcasts

  • Wed 7 Oct 2020 16:00
  • Mon 12 Oct 2020 00:15

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