Which underlying problems pose the greatest threat to British society in the 21st century? A hundred years after its philanthropist founder identified poverty, alcohol, drugs and gambling among the social evils of his time, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation initiated a major consultation among leading thinkers, activists and commentators, as well as the wider public. The findings have now been brought together in this fascinating book. Individual contributors range across the political spectrum but the book also reports the results from a web survey and consultation with groups whose voices are less often heard. The results suggest that while some evils - like poverty - endure as undisputed causes of social harm, more recent sources of social misery, such as an alleged rise in selfish consumerism and a perceived decline in personal responsibility and family commitment, attract controversy.

100 years after its philanthropist founder identified poverty, alcohol, drugs and gambling among the social evils of his time, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation initiated a major consultation among leading thinkers, activists and commentators to identify social evils in the 21st century.

In this pamphlet, the author addresses a number of issues contributing to problems in contemporary society, among them poor diet, prostitution, marriage and divorce, the plight of orphans, and women in prisons. She suggests, in part, that better education for women and their enfranchisement will be a part of the remedy for these social evils.

"The Dark Side of Social Evils" delves into the pervasive issues plaguing modern society, shedding light on the underlying causes and consequences of these injustices. Through twenty-one comprehensive chapters, the book explores a wide array of topics, from poverty and education disparity to gender inequality, racism, and domestic violence. It addresses the often-overlooked issues of elder abuse and mental health stigma, while also tackling more systemic problems like corruption, political oppression, and environmental degradation. Each chapter provides a detailed analysis of these social evils, aiming to raise awareness and inspire action towards a more equitable and just society. The book culminates in a call to action, offering pathways to create lasting positive change.