Political parties are the driving force behind liberal democracy, yet knowledge of who belongs to them and why is almost nonexistent. This work attempts to provide the first national profile of the social background, characteristics, attitudes and values, as well as the political experiences and activities of Labour Party members in Great Britain.

This book is the first in-depth study of this crucial section of the Conservative Party. Drawing on new and revealing survey data, it paints a fascinating picture of the social make-up and political views of a grass roots membership who dislike Jacques Delors more than the European Community, and The Sun newspaper most of all. The book challenges the stereotypical view of the Conservative activist as an eccentric and politically irrelevant Thatcher-loving extremist. Instead, the authors argue that the grass roots membership are the unsung heroes of political life; helping to keep the party...

Based on extensive research and a nationally representative survey of the grassroots party, this is the first book-length study of Liberal Democrat party members. It examines who they are, why they joined the party, what activities they undertake both in the wider community and in electoral politics, and it looks at their views on a whole range of policy issues in British politics.

Based on a unique series of surveys conducted during the 1990s, this book examines changes in the social backgrounds, attitudes, beliefs, and political activities of Labor party members. It addresses questions such as: What do Labor party members think of New Labor and its policies? How important are the members to the party? Are they becoming more or less active over time? Can the party dispense with its membership and still remain viable?

The authors of this work examine the dominant view that voluntary activity promotes social capital and hence good government, but also explore alternative models for the creation of social capital. Theoretical discussion is combined with detailed case studies to provide a new explanation of:
* the origins and nature of social capital
* its effects on political participation and policy-making
* the role of the voluntary sector
Contributors go on to examine the possibility that current changes in the voluntary sector may in fact undermine social capital and consider the...

The concept of citizenship is currently the focus of discussion by the media, politicians and academics, because of a generally perceived growth in public disaffection and apathy. Presenting the first comprehensive study of British citizenship, this book is comprised of surveys of political participation and voluntary activities, as well as the beliefs and values which support them. The authors provide a sophisticated discussion of the concept of citizenship, and the consequences of a lack of civic engagement in a modern democracy.

The concept of citizenship is currently the focus of discussion by the media, politicians and academics, because of a generally perceived growth in public disaffection and apathy. Presenting the first comprehensive study of British citizenship, this book is comprised of surveys of political participation and voluntary activities, as well as the beliefs and values which support them. The authors provide a sophisticated discussion of the concept of citizenship, and the consequences of a lack of civic engagement in a modern democracy.

This broad-ranging text examines the big issues about political attitudes, behaviour and participation in contemporary Britain. Written by a leading expert and drawing on extensive research, this will be essential reading for all students of British politics and everyone involved in the world of politics and policy.

Once considered a rare condition, increasing numbers of children are being diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum, making it one of the most common and often challenging childhood developmental diagnoses. Based on years of experimental study and thousands of personal observations, a growing body of research suggests that some challenging characteristics present in autism may be positively affected by the introduction of a gluten- and casein-free (GFCF) diet. Written by leading experts in autism research, food, nutrition and dietetics, the book offers readers an authoritative overview of...