How social and political themes are explored in the films of Shane Meadows

In 'This is England' Meadows uses his of knowledge and childhood experiences of England in the 1980's, using radio and TV clips of the key events and highlighting youth sub-cultures of the decade as a driving force for the narrative. He even stated that some of the characters in the film have been created based on people he knew in the 80's.

'Somers Town' is a social study of the Somers Town area of London, and presents elements of a kitchen-sink drama by showing conflict within families. The re-development of King's Cross/St. Pancras station provides work for many who have come overseas, such as Marek's farther, and this is presented within the film. The London setting also presents a wide variety of nationalities - English, Polish and French. It also presents a different view on the youth of today - Tommo acts hard, which can be expected from someone of his age. What you wouldn't expect, however, is for him to be friendly with A polish child. But he is.

The social accuracy of 'Once Upon A Time in the Midlands' is questionable. This is because, in the East Midlands setting, Meadows has pitted together a Scot, a Welsh, a Cockney and Scouse, and presents a close community between these accents. How they came to form this, however, is debatable. However, Meadows defends this using his own knowledge of Nottingham and the Midlands, stating that a wide variety of people can be found here.