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Olympic Britain

'Olympic Britain' is a book written by the researchers of the House of Commons Library and published on 10 July 2012.

It tells the story of social and economic change in the UK since the two previous London Games in 1908 and 1948, using data visualisations to bring to life a period during which our standards of living, the type of work we do, our leisure activities and our lifestyles have changed almost beyond recognition, much like the Olympics itself.

Olympic growth and imperial decline
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Changes in the UK economy since 1905

Show me the money
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inequality in incomes and wealth since 1908

All change
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Usage of London Underground and buses since 1948

Reforming prisons, reforming prisoners
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Changes in the prison population since 1900

Influence and indifference
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Electoral participation and the right to vote

More chicken, less egg
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Changes in food consumption patterns

Are we nearly there yet?
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Changes in journey time by car and rail since 1910

Survival of the littlest
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The decline in infant mortality since 1908

Mob school
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Pupil-teacher ratios and school participation

Power up
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Energy use in the UK since 1908

Build it up, sell it off
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The rise and fall of social housing

Working miracles
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Employment by age and gender since 1921

Mass conception
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Changes in public opinion since 1938

Sovereign says...
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The King's and Queen's speeches since 1908

Racing towards our limits
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Men's Olympic record progression on the track

Preachers and teachers
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Church, charity and the provision of education

Jobs for the boys
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Gender balance in employment and the changing nature of work

Do you know the way to Haringey?
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The changing population of London's boroughs

Liquor up
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Trends in alcohol consumption since 1905