In the last decades of the 20th century, Wales has experienced a process of social upheaval. Some of the changes, notably the increasing participation in higher education and the establishment of the National Assembly, have positive implications. Others, such as the crisis in agriculture and the problems of the south Wales valleys, are a cause for grave concern. These essays address a kaleidoscope of themes, such as education, language, the arts and media, race, poverty, homelessness, health, child welfare, crime, the position of women and the rural dimension. The volume as a whole provides an assessment of the political, cultural, economic and social state of Wales.