New Furedi book examines trust in the aftermath of Jimmy Savile scandal
The ellwood atfield gallery is delighted to be hosting the launch of a
new book and work of public sociology by Frank Furedi, Honorary
Professor of Sociology at the University of Kent, exploring the
precarious status of trust in the aftermath of the Jimmy Savile
scandal.
Doors open at 6pm, Frank will introduce his book at 6.45pm drinks and
book signing until 8.30pm on 24 April. To attend please email an
the subject field. Places are limited and an invitation is necessary.
Moral Crusades in an Age of Mistrust: The Jimmy Savile Scandal
(Palgrave Macmillan), explores the sociological meaning of the sudden
transformation of Jimmy Savile – charity fundraiser, household name,
cultural icon – into the personification of evil. It also considers
the important role scandals usually play in clarifying the moral
issues preoccupying society and how, in the wake of the Savile affair,
the absence of moral consensus only bred uncertainty instead of
restoring moral order.
Furedi’s study of the Savile scandal argues that that what really
drives it is not so much the sordid behaviour of a sexual predator but
a culture that is desperately searching for a solution to its problem
of moral disorientation. This quest has as its focus the loss of
legitimacy of key public institutions. In the current era The Inquiry
appears to be the only instrument that has the credibility for
preventing the further erosion of trust. Furedi argues that the
proliferation of inquiries around the Savile case may well lead to its
loss of authority.
Moral Crusades In An Age Of Mistrust calls into question the
prevailing narrative about the Jimmy Savile affair. It argues that its
impact on the criminal justice system, child protection policy and
child rearing is likely to have destructive consequences for the
conduct and management of intergenerational relations.
Professor Furedi also points out that the culture of mistrust which
preceded the unmasking of Savile, and which has been amplified by the
scandal, will continue to dominate public life into the indefinite
future. ‘..press and police misconduct as outlined in the Leveson
Inquiry, MPs claiming false expenses and high-profile sports matches
and games being fixed. Not to mention the BBC’s handling of the Savile
affair. It’s no wonder people ask: who can you trust? Which is why, if
ever there was time to offer a sociologically-informed explanation of
distrust and its consequences, this is it.’
Frank Furedi, is Honorary Professor of Sociology at the University of
Kent. He is one of the UKs most cited sociologist and author of many
books including, ‘Paranoid Parenting’ and ‘Where have all the
intellectuals gone?’ He is one of the most radical and challenging
intellectuals of our age respected and reviled his ideas are always
considered, usually challenging and always orientated to the future .
The ellwood atfield gallery, is the world’s first gallery dedicated to
exploring the role, character and importance of communications.
Distinct industries and disciplines that evolved during the 20th
century – advertising, marketing, corporate communications, branding,
media, public relations, public affairs – are converging. The gallery
seeks to stimulate debate about what constitutes communications in the
21st century.
Ellwood Atfield Gallery, 34 Smith Square, Westminster, London, SW1P 3HL.
