Book review: Michael Young, social science and the British Left, 1945-1970 by Lise Butler

In Michael Young, Social Science and the British Left, 1945-1970, Lise Butler explores the relationship between social science and public policy in left-wing politics through the figure of social scientist and policymaker Michael Young, one of the influential and innovative figures of post-war Britain. Carefully tracing Young’s trajectory between 1945 and 1970 to demonstrate the utterly coherent intellectual project underlying Young’s work, this excellent book positions Young’s influence, achievements and limitations within a particular historical moment that was to end with the economic turmoil and political crises of the early 1970s, writes Mike Savage. Michael Young, Social Science and the British Left, 1945-1970. Lise Butler. Oxford University Press. 2020.