One of the long-running debates my hubby, D, and I have is about "class" and whether the class system still exists in the UK.
I think it doesn't, in that, for a long time now in post-industrial Britain, it has been possible to change the class you were born into. And, these days, if you can afford it, you can go anywhere. (I mean social events such as the races, polo, skiing etc.)
D was born in Lancashire when his Dad was just starting out in business; in the haulage trade. His dad left school at 14 and had a very poor background. He often tells of how he had no shoes, did jobs in exchange for stale cakes etc.
But he managed to climb the ladder and went on to do well. However, as far as he was concerned, he was and is, "working class."
They just like to drink champagne with fish and chips now, that's all. Tis good, though.
D thinks you cannot change the class you were born into. Me, I think anything's possible. What does everyone else think?
2 comments:
It's the Prescott debate all over again. I think that you can change your circumstances - but that doesn't neccessarily mean that you can buy acceptance.
Yes you can turn up at the Polo - and if you have enough money you can play. But I guarantee you that the polo crowd won't be rushing to embrace you.
Actually it's rather like Penelope Keith in To The Manor Born... looking down on the man that has money but no real social history.
Does that still exist? Absolutely.
The good news now is that class doesn't always limit mobility - talent can out; but family, connections and status still has weight (even in America where a 'C' average George W Bush got into Yale - the school of his father and grandfather.
British culture/society is going through an interesting shape shift. Bought "Polish beer ham" at the supermarket yesterday.
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