Chavs

In modern Britain, the working class has become an object of fear and ridicule. From Little Britain’s Vicky Pollard to the demonization of Jade Goody, media and politicians alike dismiss as feckless, criminalized and ignorant a vast, underprivileged swathe of society whose members have become stereotyped by one, hate-filled word: chavs. In this acclaimed investigation, Owen Jones explores how the working class has gone from “salt of the earth” to “scum of the earth.” Exposing the ignorance and prejudice at the heart of the chav caricature, he portrays a far more complex reality. The chav stereotype, he argues, is used by governments as a convenient figleaf to avoid genuine engagement with social and economic problems and to justify widening inequality. Based on a wealth of original research, Chavs is a damning indictment of the media and political establishment and an illuminating, disturbing portrait of inequality and class hatred in modern Britain. This updated edition includes a new chapter exploring the causes and consequences of the UK riots in the summer of 2011.

Chavs are identifiable by their attitude (anti anything to do with authority, art, culture or the good of society) and clothes. They want money and lots of it, but don't want to have to work for it. Katie Price is a Chav icon. Reality shows and the Lottery are favourite Chav TV programmes. Here is the branded guide to Britain's new elite - the group taking over high streets up and down the country. Love them or hate them, there's no ignoring them!

In modern Britain, the working class has become an object of fear and ridicule. From Little Britain’s Vicky Pollard to the demonization of Jade Goody, media and politicians alike dismiss as feckless, criminalized and ignorant a vast, underprivileged swathe of society whose members have become stereotyped by one, hate-filled word: chavs. In this acclaimed investigation, Owen Jones explores how the working class has gone from “salt of the earth” to “scum of the earth.” Exposing the ignorance and prejudice at the heart of the chav caricature, he portrays a far more complex reality. The chav stereotype, he argues, is used by governments as a convenient figleaf to avoid genuine engagement with social and economic problems and to justify widening inequality. Based on a wealth of original research, Chavs is a damning indictment of the media and political establishment and an illuminating, disturbing portrait of inequality and class hatred in modern Britain. This updated edition includes a new chapter exploring the causes and consequences of the UK riots in the summer of 2011.

Chav is an attitude, a way of life, a tribal thing and those in it have chosen to be there. Now, with this user's guide, you can check out the new cultural phenomenon that is sweeping Britain!

Fifteen-year-old Shiraz Bailey Wood's days are filled with hanging around outside Claire's Accessories, her parents work crap jobs, and her school is pretty much loser central. But this loveable British dreamer with a brain and a heart of gold is beginning to feel there might be a lot more to life than minimum wage and the bling of a souped-up car.

Originally published: London: Allen Lane/Penguin Books, 2014.

The divine Shiraz Bailey Wood is back in this hilarious sequel to Diary of a Chav to enlighten us with her signature brand of madcap humor on her demented, glorious life in the gritty suburbs of London. Chav: (n.): 1. A word that makes most Brits think of hoodies, hip hop, bling, and trouble. (It ain't a good fing, bruv.) At the end of the school year, 16-year-old Shiraz Bailey Wood isn't expecting incredible grades. But when her test results come in, she's astonished to discover that not only did she pass them all, but that she's also actually clever! Emboldened by an invite to higher-level classes, Shiraz decides she can't waste her brain power frying eggs for minimum wage at the greasy spoon Mr. Yolk. So even in spite of her Mum's objections that it ain't her place, Shiraz enrolls in Superchav Academy's "Center of Excellence" to get even brainier. Setting forth into the heady field of academia and hanging out with other boffin types seems like just the ticket to avoid getting stuck living like a chav forever in crappy Goodmayes Essex. Smooth-talking lads with whopping allowances tempt her-but Shiraz has to figure out: are these posh types really any better? Or maybe being a chav might not be all that bad-as long as it stands for Charming, Hilarious, Articulate, and Vibrant.

“With Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster, [Dana] Thomas—who has been the cultural and fashion writer for Newsweek in Paris for 12 years—has written a crisp, witty social history that’s as entertaining as it is informative.” —New York Times From the author of Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes Once luxury was available only to the rarefied and aristocratic world of old money and royalty. It offered a history of tradition, superior quality, and a pampered buying experience. Today, however, luxury is simply a product packaged and sold by multibillion-dollar global corporations focused on growth, visibility, brand awareness, advertising, and, above all, profits. Award-winning journalist Dana Thomas digs deep into the dark side of the luxury industry to uncover all the secrets that Prada, Gucci, and Burberry don't want us to know. Deluxe is an uncompromising look behind the glossy façade that will enthrall anyone interested in fashion, finance, or culture.

Want to know more about history and politics? Then you should probably go and read a proper book. Fancy a laugh at some smutty jokes? Then go and read Viz. But if you fancy a combination of the two, this is the book for you. In Off The Record, bitter and twisted leftie news reporter Jonathan Pie picks ten of the world's worst wankers and tears them apart. Here you'll find the answers to some difficult questions. Was Blair just a Tory in disguise? Did Cameron really have sexual relations with that pig? Just how the fuck did we end up with President Donald Trump? It's the ultimate guide to political arseholery. With extra swearing.

This book offers the opportunity for people to explore and experience Christian spirituality as seen through working-class eyes. Whether you're someone from working-class culture that would like to experience spirituality, or an urban missionary trying to understand your mission field, this book will help you to become part of the growing group of Chav Christians with a mission to reach working-class Britain. "Chav Christianity is personal, practical and powerful. Darren roots the book in his own life story, makes a strong and well researched argument for the importance of mission amongst the working-class, and reminds us that when the gospel takes root in working-class communities the effect will be truly transformational." Matt Wilson, author of Eden: Called to the streets "Edgy, gutsy and real - from an author that is passionate about connecting with community and who understands that in order for a tree to flourish it does not have to deny its roots." John Glass, General Superintendant of the Elim Movement "Darren is a unique man - full of passion and zeal for Jesus. He is not frightened to 'represent' Jesus and see God's kingdom built in his surroundings and time. After knowing Darren for a short period he has had a positive and infectious effect on me." Dan Hargreaves, Youth Leader and New Life Lincoln