The discourse of workers’ claims in 1980s England
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Abstract
The article examines the issues and demands of workers in 1980s England, a period marked by intense sociopolitical tensions. It explores the negotiations between employees, employers, and the government, focusing on how activism influenced labour policies and social norms. Through examples from the press of that era, the study analyses media narratives about economic struggles and social justice movements. It highlights the tensions among different actors (workers, emplo- yers, authorities, and the media) and reveals how public perceptions were constructed, influenced by divergent interests and ideological biases. The analysis provides insight into the discursive stra- tegies that shaped public opinion on labour and socioeconomic justice during this transformative decade in the UK.
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