The House of Commons An Anthropology of MPs at Work [Hardcover]

The House of Commons is one of Britain's mysterious institutions: constantly in the news yet always opaque. In this ground-breaking anthropological study of the world's most famous parliament, Emma Crewe reveals the hidden mechanisms of parliamentary democracy.

Examining the work of Members of Parliament ??? including neglected areas such as constituencies and committees ??? this book provides unique insights into the actual lives and working relationships of parliamentarians. 'Why do the public loathe politicians but often love their own MP?' the author asks. The antagonistic fa??ade of politics irritates the public who tend to be unaware that, backstage, democracy relies on MPs consulting, compromising and cooperating across political parties far more than is publicly admitted. As the book shows, this is only one of myriad contradictions in the labyrinths of power.

Based on unprecedented access and two years of interviews and research in the Palace of Westminster and MPs' constituencies,The House of Commons: An Anthropology of MPs at Workchallenges the existing scholarship on political institutions and party politics. Moving beyond the narrow confines of rational choice theory and new institutionalism, Emma Crewe presents a radical alternative to the study of British politics by demonstrating that all of its processes hinge on culture, ritual and social relations.

A must-read for anyone interested in political anthropology, politics, or the Westminster model.

???Every tribe needs its anthropologist and those currently sitting on the green benches in the Houses of Parliament have found theirs in Emma Crewe. She has a keen ear, a flair for divining character and for capturing episodes; and she marries the three in this fascinating study.??? ???Peter Hennessy, Professor of Contemporary British History, Queen Mary, University of London, UK

???This anthropological tin-opener lifts the lid on Parliament and asks what drilS%