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Notes on British Class System

Jul 25, 2024

Understanding the British Class System

Introduction

  • The UK has not undergone major revolutions in recent times (e.g., Republican, communistic, fascistic).
  • The monarchy and social order remain relatively unchanged for centuries.
  • Contrast with countries like the US, which has high social mobility.

Class and Social Mobility

  • Class vs Wealth:
    • Class is not just about money; it includes connections and family background.
    • Example: Ricky Gervais vs. Jacob Rees-Mogg.
  • Limited social mobility in the UK, leading to distinct class divides.
  • Cultural Separation:
    • Wealthy and poor Brits often have nothing in common and may not understand each other.

Perception of the British

  • Different perceptions in foreign countries:
    • Americans: Wise, well-mannered, stylish.
    • Continental Europeans: Loud, drunken, uncivilized.
  • The UK lacks a unified national identity; it's composed of various distinct classes.

The Classes in the UK

1. Working Class

  • Definition: People from work-related backgrounds in low-respect jobs (e.g., bus drivers, plumbers).

  • Cultural Aspects:

    • Mediocrity is often celebrated within the working class.
    • Crabs in a bucket mentality: discouragement toward aspirations.
    • Limited ambition leads to high rates of relocation or leaving the country.
  • Living Conditions:

    • Many own terrace houses, characterized by thin walls leading to lack of privacy.
  • Social Life:

    • Work-centered lives, often followed by binge drinking on weekends.

2. Underclass

  • Definition: Generational reliance on state welfare, removed from the working aspect of the working class.
  • Result of poor handling of social and economic issues during globalization.
  • Increased problems like alcoholism, drug use, and crime in affected areas.
  • Identifying Characteristics:
    • Typical attire: black tracksuits, reliance on outdated tech (e.g., iPhone 6s).

3. Middle Class

  • Definition: Individuals in respected jobs that require academic qualifications.

  • Critique:

    • Seen as sanctimonious and unhelpful to those in lower classes.
    • Present themselves as socially conscious but fail to address real issues (e.g., crime, migration).
  • Cultural Behavior:

    • Behaviors often mock their privileged background, attempting to relate to working-class culture.

4. Upper Class

  • Definition: Extremely wealthy individuals often not required to work.
  • Enjoy benefits of private education and strong nepotistic networks.
  • Typically disconnected from the working class, allowing for ignorance of real societal issues.

5. Overclass

  • Definition: A small group of highly influential families, including the royal family.
  • Power Dynamics:
    • Enjoy diplomatic immunity and can evade legal consequences.
    • Above the law, showing that they are not held accountable like other classes.

Conclusion

  • The class system in the UK functions as a ‘Birthright curse’ that determines life outcomes based on class.
  • The speaker encourages younger Britons to consider leaving the UK in search of better opportunities elsewhere.