Watching the English by Kate Fox

Kate Fox’s Watching the English: The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour is an entertaining social commentary on the peculiarities of English society and culture. At times humorous, but always in good humor, Fox’s analysis of the English social and behavioral norms gives us a glimpse into the secret unwritten codes that guide everyday life in the country.

Fox begins by giving an overview of the social geography and history of England, explaining how it has created a diverse but inherently linked culture that has blended the customs of many different peoples over the centuries. She then goes on to explore various aspects of English culture and behavior, from politeness and privacy to conversation and body language. Fox describes how particular behaviors are engrained in English culture, such as the insistence on politeness and the value placed on keeping up appearances.

The book is full of vivid examples to illustrate Fox’s study, from the absurdity of tea-making etiquette to the paradoxical complexity of queuing. Fox does not shy away from controversy either and compares English culture to different international cultures to help readers better understand the idiosyncrasies of English behavior. Throughout the book, Fox helps readers to understand why the English behave the way they do and how the traditional rules that form the foundations of Englishness have come to shape the society it is today.

Fox writes in an accessible and engaging style that encourages readers to participate in her analysis. She begins each chapter by introducing a topic and the different conventions that relate to it, before providing several examples to back up her theories. This allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts Fox is discussing and how English culture shapes it.

In the final chapters, Fox explores the changes that are taking place in English culture, as global influences force the country to recognize and adapt to diversity. She examines how society is changing, who is driving these changes and what the potential implications might be.

Ultimately, Fox’s Watching the English helps readers to develop an appreciation of the quirks and conventions that make the English unique. Her study is highly entertaining and informative and will help readers to better understand the complex and often paradoxical cultural fabric that makes the world’s fifth-largest economy so unique.