Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Establishment summary
Owen Jones
Brief summary
The Establishment sheds light on the hidden mechanisms of power at play in modern society. Owen Jones critically analyzes the role of elite institutions and challenges readers to question the status quo.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Establishment
Summary of key ideas
The Power Dynamics of the Elite
In The Establishment, Owen Jones delves into the inner workings of the British establishment, a network of powerful individuals and institutions that shape the country's political, economic, and social landscape. He begins by dissecting the power dynamics within the political sphere, highlighting how the Labour and Conservative parties have converged into a single, pro-business entity, serving the interests of the elite rather than the general populace.
Jones then shifts his focus to the media, exposing how a handful of wealthy individuals, such as Rupert Murdoch, wield immense influence over public opinion. He argues that this concentrated media ownership allows the establishment to control the narrative, shaping public discourse to serve their own interests.
The Financial Elite and Their Influence
Continuing his exploration, Jones turns his attention to the financial sector, particularly the City of London. He discusses how the financial elite, driven by profit and deregulation, have contributed to economic inequality and instability. He also highlights the revolving door between politics and finance, where individuals move seamlessly between high-ranking government positions and lucrative jobs in the financial industry, blurring the lines of accountability.
Furthermore, Jones examines the role of think tanks and lobbying groups, which he argues are used by the establishment to further their interests and push their agenda. He contends that these organizations, often funded by big businesses, have a disproportionate influence on policy-making, undermining the democratic process.
The Impact on Society and Democracy
Throughout The Establishment, Jones emphasizes the detrimental impact of these power dynamics on society. He discusses the rise of precarious employment, the erosion of workers' rights, and the dismantling of the welfare state, all of which he attributes to the establishment's relentless pursuit of profit and power.
Moreover, he argues that the establishment's grip on power poses a significant threat to democracy itself. By controlling the media, influencing policy, and perpetuating a system that benefits the few at the expense of the many, the establishment, according to Jones, undermines the very principles of democratic governance.
Challenging the Status Quo
Despite the bleak picture he paints, Jones remains hopeful. He believes that change is possible, but it requires a concerted effort to challenge the status quo. He calls for a revitalized, grassroots movement that transcends traditional party politics and unites people against the establishment's grip on power.
In conclusion, The Establishment is a scathing critique of the power structures that dominate British society. Jones' analysis sheds light on the ways in which the establishment consolidates and maintains its power, and the profound impact this has on democracy and social equality. It's a call to action, urging readers to question and challenge the status quo in pursuit of a fairer, more democratic society.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Establishment about?
The Establishment by Owen Jones is a thought-provoking critique of the political and economic elite in the UK. Jones delves into the interconnected worlds of politics, media, and finance to reveal how a small group of individuals wield immense power and influence, often at the expense of the majority. Through meticulous research and compelling analysis, the book challenges the status quo and calls for a more democratic and equitable society.
The Establishment Review
The Establishment (2014) sheds light on the hidden mechanisms of power and privilege in society. Here's why this book is a must-read:
- Unveiling the behind-the-scenes workings of the elite, it exposes the realities of modern power structures.
- By exploring the intersection of politics, media, and finance, the book reveals how the establishment maintains its dominance.
- With its eye-opening revelations and critical analysis, it challenges readers to rethink their understanding of social hierarchies.
Who should read The Establishment?
- Readers who are curious about the inner workings of political and economic power
- Individuals who want to understand the influence of elites on society and politics
- Those who are interested in exploring alternative perspectives on inequality and social justice
Categories with The Establishment
Book summaries like The Establishment
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Establishment FAQs
What is the main message of The Establishment?
The main message of The Establishment is to shed light on the power structures that maintain inequality.
How long does it take to read The Establishment?
The estimated reading time for The Establishment is a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in under 15 minutes.
Is The Establishment a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Establishment is a thought-provoking book that offers insightful analysis on societal issues. It's worth reading for those interested in understanding power dynamics.
Who is the author of The Establishment?
The author of The Establishment is Owen Jones.
What to read after The Establishment?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Establishment, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Basic Economics by Thomas Sowell
- The Ascent of Money by Niall Ferguson
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
- The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
- Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
- Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker
- The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
- Business Adventures by John Brooks
- The Most Important Thing by Howard Marks
- More Money Than God by Sebastian Mallaby