Anthony Heath has established a deserved reputation as a dispassionate authority on social change, integration, and social disadvantage. Social Progress in Britain shows both where we have moved forward and where we have slipped up. We all need to pay attention and raise our game.
Chuka Umunna, MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Social Integration
Social Progress in Britain should be compulsory reading for all policymakers, indeed for anyone who wants better to understand the trends in and drivers of social progress. Anthony Heath and his excellent co-authors at the Centre for Social Investigation bring out the facts clearly, compellingly and, perhaps, counter-intuitively showing that though major challenges remain, social progress in Britain has generally kept up with that in other countries.
Stephen Aldridge, Director for Analysis and Data, Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government
For decades Anthony Heath has challenged the cosy assumptions about Britain steadily becoming a fairer place for all to live and prosper in. His meticulous and unbiased research and analysis in this book shows that on key social performance indicators like life expectancy or racial discrimination, we are failing to fix disadvantage. We must all sit up, learn, and act on change.
Iqbal Wahhab, Chair, National Independent Advisory Group, Action on Race Equality in the Criminal Justice System
This book, by one of the worldâs most respected social scientists, makes a powerful, evidence-based contribution to our understanding of the path that Britain has taken since Beveridge. This thoughtful analysis should be read by anyone who has an interest in the impact that policy has on tackling social inequalities, a desire to avoid the ideologically-driven or politically correct mistakes of the past, or a commitment to a fairer and more cohesive Britain.
Ray Shostak, formerly Head of the Prime Minister's Delivery Unit.