Mass Observation and Everyday Life

The social research organization, Mass-Observation, was one of the most innovative intellectual projects of the 20th century. This study, now available in paperback, examines the historical and social significance of the project and shows how social research has played a role in the development of policy and mass democracy.

The social-research organization Mass-Observation was founded in 1937. In this book, the true extent and significance of Mass-Observation's unique role in the formation of postwar Britain's idea of itself through the examination of everyday life across the long twentieth century. An excellent guide to Mass-Observation and the period generally, this scholarly work also provides surprising insights into the role social research has played in the development of policy and mass democracy.

'An insightful new history.' - The New Yorker

'Hubble's account is much needed, and the depth of detail and analysis that is evident in it ensures that it is likely to remain an essential guide to Mass Observation for years to come.' - Textual Practice

'An excellent appreciation of Tom Harrisson and his fellow Mass Observation co-founders.' - History Workshop Journal

'An important book...invaluable to anyone wanting to understand what lay behind Mass Observation and how the organization developed.' - Literature and History

'Hubble provides an exhaustive investigation into the origins of Mass Observation [and] their influence on successive generations of intellectuals.' - Journal of Interdisciplinary History

Autorentext
NICK HUBBLE is Senior Lecturer in English at Brunel University, UK. A former Research Fellow at the Mass-Observation Archive, he has also taught at the University of Sussex, Kingston University and the University of Central England, Birmingham, UK.

Zusammenfassung
An excellent guide to Mass-Observation and the period generally, this scholarly work also provides surprising insights into the role social research has played in the development of policy and mass democracy.

Inhalt
List of Abbreviations Acknowlegdements INTRODUCTION: THE MASS-OBSERVATION PROJECT Defining Mass-Observation A Brief History of Mass-Observation Everyday Life and Social Transformation PART 1: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Everyday Life in the Long Twentieth Century Social Surveys: From Booth's Life and Labour of the London Poor to Kracauer's Die Angestellten and the Lynd's Middeltown PART 2: THE SPACE OF FORMER HEAVEN Cambridge Experiment Letter to Oxford British Social Anthropology Popular Poetry and the 'Thirties' PART 3: THE INTELLECTUALS AND THE MASSES Profane Illumination and New Objectivity; English Surrealism and British Democracy Empson's Imaginary Solution PART 4: EARLY MASS-OBSERVATION The Formation of Mass-Observation Coronation Pastoral PART 5: BRITAIN BEGINS AT HOME First Year's Work First Year's Reception The Munich Crisis The Lambeth Walk PART 6: THE MOBILISATION OF EVERYDAY LIFE Active Leadership and the Civilian Army The Ministry of Everyday Co-operating with the Tax Collector PART 7: THE DEMOBILISATION OF EVERYDAY LIFE Politics, Pubs, Penguins Society in the Mind Resumption of the People's War Conclusion: Mass-Observation Reassessed Bibliography and Sources Index