Michael Donnelly 
The Borders Within 
Public Policy in an Age of Geographic Division

Geographic divisions that exist within countries – ‘the borders within’ – can be seen in economic growth and health and educational outcomes. Drawing on research with over 200 young people across 17 different localities in the UK, this book proposes a novel framework and alternative starting point for how we address borders within countries.

Table of Content

1. Introduction
Part 1: The Story of Regional Divisions
2. Growing Apart
3. The Balance of Power
Part 2: Navigating the Borders Within
4. Knowing a Place
5. Places Worth Knowing
6. Friends in the Right Places
7. Friendship with a Purpose
8. Place is Positional
9. Place is Personal
Part 3: An Alternative Narrative for Regional Development
10. The Flawed Logic
11. Re-balancing Labour Markets
12. Re-balancing Public Services
13. Conclusion: Prospects for Addressing the Borders Within

About the author

Michael Donnelly is Reader and Associate Professor in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Bath.