1.1.2

Political Background

Test yourself

Political Background to Blood Brothers

Blood Brothers is written in the wake of Margaret Thatcher's economic reforms. Russell uses his play to criticise Thatcher by demonstrating that privilege is central to economic success.

Illustrative background for Margaret ThatcherIllustrative background for Margaret Thatcher ?? "content

Margaret Thatcher

  • Blood Brothers was completed in 1981, which is two years into Margaret Thatcher’s time as prime minister of the United Kingdom.
Illustrative background for Thatcher and the economyIllustrative background for Thatcher and the economy ?? "content

Thatcher and the economy

  • Margaret Thatcher transformed the economy of Britain in a way which greatly reduced the number of traditional manufacturing (factory) jobs.
  • This particularly affected cities like Liverpool, where thousands of jobs disappeared and unemployment levels increased drastically.
Illustrative background for Social issues caused by Thatcher's reformsIllustrative background for Social issues caused by Thatcher's reforms ?? "content

Social issues caused by Thatcher's reforms

  • Russell clearly addresses social issues related to unemployment - poverty, crime and drug abuse - in the play, most notably through the character of Mickey who “can’t cope” (Act Two) with the hardship he faces.
Illustrative background for Challenging Thatcher's views on successIllustrative background for Challenging Thatcher's views on success ?? "content

Challenging Thatcher's views on success

  • One of Margaret Thatcher’s core beliefs was that the key to success was hard work:
    • She claimed that anyone in Britain who worked hard could be successful.
    • Russell challenges this belief in Blood Brothers because hard work is not the reason Mickey and Edward’s lives are so different: the reason their lives are so different is the fact that, coming from a wealthy and well-connected background, Edward has far more opportunities to be successful than Mickey.
Illustrative background for Thatcher and trade unionsIllustrative background for Thatcher and trade unions ?? "content

Thatcher and trade unions

  • Margaret Thatcher also felt that trade unions, which are organisations designed to protect the rights of workers, had become too powerful.
  • She made changes to the law which took away some of the powers of trade unions, and this meant that workers, particularly factory workers like Mickey, were more vulnerable to redundancy.

Jump to other topics

1Context & Author

2Plot

3Characters

4Themes

5Literary Techniques

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson