This study asks how Scottish society has been transformed since the last two to three decades. The changes in demography, the nature of employment, educational opportunities, gender inequalities, social class, geographical mobility, income and wealth and lifestyles, are explored as the authors ask how and why Scotland has changed, and whether it is still distinctive in comparison with the rest of the UK and Europe. Drawing on data from government statistics, large-scale surveys and over-time data sources, the key social changes in Scotland are charted and accounted for, through a primarily sociological analysis. In order to ensure accessibility and interest, the emphasis is on text rather than data. For readers interested in the more statistical elements of the subject there are guides to relevant and useful sources at the end of each chapter. The book is arranged thematically, with dimensions such as gender, age, geographical region and type of regions running throughout in as systematic a format as possible, for ease of cross-referencing.
There are chapters on population and demography; families and households; work and employment; income, wealth and poverty; social class and social opportunity; education and life chances; and consumption, life-style and culture. A conclusion asks where Scotland is going in terms of the social trends identified by the authors, and what are the political and cultural implications of these trends.