Economic conditions that gave rise to the UK punk movement

February 21, 2023 5:46 AM

Is there a brief explainer for the economic conditions that gave rise to the 1977-era punk movement in the UK? Pre-Thatcher would be ideal.
posted by pxe2000 to Media & Arts (4 answers total)

Best answer: This would be a good starting point - Crisis, What Crisis? Britain in the 1970s.
posted by essexjan at 7:32 AM on February 21, 2023 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Also this article.
posted by essexjan at 7:33 AM on February 21, 2023 [1 favorite]

Best answer: As background colour:

Here's a Thames TV broadcast on the 1973-74 economic crisis, including the miners dispute and 3 day week, for a vibe of the times.

And a similar one for the 1979 winter of discontent, which led directly to Callaghan's election loss.

National archives Cabinet papers about trade union relations in the 60s and 70s
posted by plonkee at 8:19 AM on February 21, 2023 [2 favorites]

Best answer: Not quite what you're after, but I just watched this really good three-part documentary on English punk origins , punk, and post-punk.

The social and economic conditions of the time are in there as part of the story and background.
posted by maupuia at 10:16 AM on February 21, 2023 [1 favorite]