Late modernity and the changing nature of politics: Two cheers for Henrik Bang

It is common in sociology to argue that we have moved into a period of late modernity. This debate has permeated political science, particularly in the literature on governance. In addressing this issue I focus on Henrik Bang's work which raises questions about contemporary participation, political parties, modes of governance and forms of democracy. My treatment of his work is sympathetic, but critical. In essence, I argue, focusing particularly on the UK case, that the trends which he identifies are occurring, but not at the rate, nor to the extent, which he claims.