The Conscript Army

A Study of Britain's Unemployed

Frank Field

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Hardback

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English

Routledge
01 December 2025

Politics & government; Economic theory & philosophy; Labour economics; Political economy

Series: Routledge Revivals

Originally published in 1977, this book was written at a time when unemployment figures in Britain were at their highest since the Depression of the 1930s, with 1.5 million people out of work. Beginning with a careful examination of what the unemployment figures do and do not tell, the book argues that official figures underestimated the numbers of unemployed. Discussion then turns to the people who were most likely to be unemployed, the myths about those out of work and the massive checks to prevent people wrongly claiming benefit. Case studies from groups of families in Liverpool illustrate what unemployment means in practice and shows to what extent unemployment leads to poverty while having little effect on rising prices. The author and contributors outline proposals for a policy of returning to full employment, which, they maintained, required the introduction of protectionist economic policies such as import controls: an idea which has found traction again in global 21st century politics.

Edited by: Frank Field
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 138mm,
ISBN: 9781041119043
ISBN 10: 1041119046
Series: Routledge Revivals
Pages: 174
Publication Date: 01 December 2025
Audience: College/higher education , College/higher education , Further / Higher Education , Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Frank Field (1942–2024) was the most independent-minded member of Parliament of his time, genuinely prepared to stand alone on a number of crucial issues. He was also a devout churchman who was motivated in his politics by that faith, especially in a commitment to the poorest people in society. His commitment in that direction was shown early in his work for the Child Poverty Action Group, which he directed from 1969 to 1979. He was a Member of Parliament for Birkenhead for 40 years.

Reviews for The Conscript Army: A Study of Britain's Unemployed

Original Reviews of The Conscript Army: ‘Not the least of the qualities of this book is that its objective and restrained approach does not obscure the obvious concern and commitment of the writers to focus public attention on the issues posed.’ Phyllis Willmott, The Times Literary Supplement ‘Each essay is clearly and powerfully argued…’ A. Deacon, Journal of Social Policy, Volume 8, Issue 1, (1979).