The papers in this issue were all specially commissioned to mark the turn ofthe century. Contributors, well-known for their work in particular specialisms, wereasked to engage in informed speculation about developments in those aspects ofBritish society which fell within their areas of expertise. They were furtherencouraged to reflect on what the implications of those developments might be forthe discipline of sociology. The topics covered represent those where the editors weresuccessful in persuading colleagues to rise to this challenging brief. They also reflectan editorial decision not to marginalise ethnicity and gender by commissioningseparate papers in these areas but instead to encourage all authors to take account ofthese issues in their reflections. We believe the final result is a stimulating andentertaining collection. The authors have risen to the daunting task of thinkingthemselves forward a quarter of a century. They have also succeeded in combiningcareful scholarship with the more risky task of futurology. We hope that, like us, ourreaders will find their arguments both provocative and timely.