Lynch critiques the notion of a purely rational society, positing that emotional and sacred elements are essential to social existence. He asserts that modernity hasn't eliminated the sacred but instead has transformed it, manifesting in new forms centered on humanity, nature, and national identity. This exploration reveals the persistent influence of the sacred in shaping contemporary social dynamics.
The book provides a comprehensive analysis of post-war child welfare schemes, particularly focusing on the migration of around 3,500 unaccompanied children from Britain to Australia between 1945 and 1970. It explores the involvement of various organizations and scrutinizes the UK Government's decisions that allowed these schemes to persist despite known failures to meet child-care standards, as highlighted in the 1946 Curtis Report. The examination extends to the broader implications of government systems and departmental responsibilities, shedding light on the vulnerabilities faced by these children and others in similar contexts.