(british) class-system

[Sebastian]

we are talking about the british class-system in school at the moment and i wanna know how you think about it?!

which class do you belong to?
is it basically the upper-,middle- and lower class-system or would you subdivide it differently? if yes, how?
is it really possible to recognize someones class just by looking at what newspaper he/she is reading?
are you proud of belonging to your specific class?
what are the basic criteria for the different classes?

furthermore, is there a class-system in your country too? how does it work? is it different from the british one?

discuss..

 

[Silleone]

what are the specifications of the classes?

 

[Amara]

I think that kind of class structure is inevitable in capitalist society. So, naturally we have class differentiation here. My family is middle class now, wasn't always that way- my parents worked hard, both from lower class backgrounds. Am I proud of that? Yeah, I guess so, sure we'd all like the stability and wealth associated with the upper class, and indeed we are condition to aspire to it, but I think knowing I have a comfortable existence is fufilling enough.

I don't think there is any criteria or defining features of classes. I mean, whilst there are certain material representations of class - for instance, suburb a house is in, type and number of cars, schools their children attend, I'm inclined to think they are consequences of wealth - rather than being the criteria for which to judge it. Although, I could be wrong. Whilst entangled with finances, class could be seen as being as much about lifestyle and state of mind as it is about wordly possessions.

 

[Bender]

I don't believe in any class type stuff. It's a concept I don't buy. I would say what is above has to come down and what is down can surely rise.

 

[MX Red]

The UK is class obbsessed, and always has been!

There is no such thing as working class in the UK anymore, Thatcher made sure of that in many ways - notably the selling of all council houses, and the attacks on the Unions.

Its basically broken down as such (at least in sociology);- Underclass - unemployed, living below the poverty line.
Lower Middle class - basically old working class who own their own property,
Upper Middle class - professionals and so on.
Upper class - i suppose is the wealthiest people in society, but these shouldnt really be considered a class as they are too small in number - especially since managerialism has taken presitent in most bussines stuctures!

There are definitions of what make up a class, but they arnt all that relevent anymore - all the perks (like a new car, hollidays abroad and so on) are pretty available to all in society, culutre is the main dividing line between the classes now - not economic situation!

My family is lower middle class, or working class - kinda all mean the same thing!
peace
MX!

 

[Sebastian]

I don't believe in any class type stuff. It's a concept I don't buy. I would say what is above has to come down and what is down can surely rise.

u dont believe in it? well there is obviously one in (nearly?) every country. the "what is above has to come down and what is down can surely rise" could be a part of a class-system...

 

[CalcuoCuchicheo]

I would consider my family working class which, IMO, can be lower class or lower middle class.

I am proud of the fact that my parents graft for their money & I think, on the whole, you can judge 'class' on criteria such as what newspaper they are reading.

Of course, there are exceptions.

 

[Illuminattile]

I would consider my family working class which, IMO, can be lower class or lower middle class.

I am proud of the fact that my parents graft for their money.

Are you saying that my middle class parents don't work hard for their money?

 

[Zero Cool]

My parents read The Times

 

[Jokerman]

I'm an Untouchable. Can't touch this.

 

[CalcuoCuchicheo]

Are you saying that my middle class parents don't work hard for their money?

By 'graft', I mean the art of working & getting your hands dirty.

Thus, I doubt your parents 'graft'.

Btw, your parents & yourself are one step away from being on my shitlist.

 

[Illuminattile]

By 'graft', I mean the art of working & getting your hands dirty.

Thus, I doubt your parents 'graft'.

My parents might not literally get their hands dirty, but that doesn't mean for one second that they put in any less effort or are any less hard-working than yours.

Btw, your parents & yourself are one step away from being on my shitlist.

Why, because we happen to be middle class?

 

[CalcuoCuchicheo]

My parents might not literally get their hands dirty, but that doesn't mean for one second that they put in any less effort or are any less hard-working than yours.

I elaborated on my use of the word 'graft' & I never mentioned nor implied that your parents are/have been slackers.

Why, because we happen to be middle class?

Erm.....yes.

 

[Cooper]

Middle Class

I think we should abolish the class system and capitalism.

 

[Illuminattile]

I elaborated on my use of the word 'graft' & I never mentioned nor implied that your parents are/have been slackers.

OK. Though I am a slacker.

Erm.....yes.

Classist.

Anyway, we're all proletarians according to Marx.

 

[CalcuoCuchicheo]

Classist?? You're damn right!!

Not a complete Marxist & nowhere near a Capitalist, I would like to strike a fairer balance in the sharing of the wealth.

Note: I don't hate you, but be aware you on the 'waiting list'. Yeah, that's how many people I dislike - there's a fricking 'waiting list'. Of course, under my leadership, a 'waiting list' would be a novelty.

 

[Illuminattile]

Classist?? You're damn right!!

Not a complete Marxist & nowhere near a Capitalist, I would like to strike a fairer balance in the sharing of the wealth.

Note: I don't hate you, but be aware you on the 'waiting list'. Yeah, that's how many people I dislike - there's a fricking 'waiting list'. Of course, under my leadership, a 'waiting list' would be a novelty.

With who else do I share this privilege?

 

[Cooper]

"The history of all hitherto existing societies has been the history of class struggles"

 

[Cooper]

^^probably me due to me being middle class

 

[CalcuoCuchicheo]

With who else do I share this privilege?

Currently??

Nobody.

Even in matters of little importance (in the grand scheme of things, that is) I make sure people get seen to shortly after they enter the building.

You are somewhat of a unique case as we await new equipment (ie. a fat wage rise for your parents) before you can be moved.

Edit - dude with the crazy name has joined you Illuminattile. Must say though, most middle class who are unknown entities to myself will be rushed through quickly.