13 Apr 2013

WHICH CLASS ARE YOU?


Ah, the British class system, said to be so complicated that not even we ourselves understand it.

Traditionally falling into the categories of working, middle or upper class,some say it isn't just a matter of the type of job you do, where you live or even how much you earn so much as it is about attitude, of who you are. 

Or is it as ex-prime minister Tony Blair once famously said .....

We're all middle class now.

Hmm, well that's all as clear as mud.

And yet it has to be more simple than the latest model that sociologists have come up with, doesn't it?

No longer upper, middle or working class it now seems we are one of seven groups.
  • Elite: This is the most privileged class in Great Britain who have high levels of all three capitals. Their high amount of economic capital sets them apart from everyone else.
  • Established Middle Class: Members of this class have high levels of all three capitals although not as high as the Elite. They are a gregarious and culturally engaged class.
  • Technical Middle Class: This is a new, small class with high economic capital but seem less culturally engaged. They have relatively few social contacts and so are less socially engaged.
  • New Affluent Workers: This class has medium levels of economic capital and higher levels of cultural and social capital. They are a young and active group.
  • Emergent Service Workers: This new class has low economic capital but has high levels of 'emerging' cultural capital and high social capital. This group are young and often found in urban areas.
  • Traditional Working Class: This class scores low on all forms of the three capitals although they are not the poorest group. The average age of this class is older than the others.
  • Precariat: This is the most deprived class of all with low levels of economic, cultural and social capital. The everyday lives of members of this class are precarious.

Young? Lets just leave it that I'm young at heart, shall we?

Active? More so mentally than physically but I guess they are getting more at politically and socially active etc.

Has medium levels of economic capital and higher levels of cultural and social capital? Not so sure about the medium levels of economic capital and, to be honest, I'm not 100% sure what they mean about higher levels of cultural and social capital but hey it sounds good.

Yes, according to THIS TESTon the BBC News website I'm of the New Affluent Worker class, what about you?



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13 comments:

Tangled Cobweb said...

An interesting read Tracy.

I'm in a class of my own:)

Have a wonderful weekend.

Kelly said...

I tend to get rather defiant when it comes to all that "class" business. Of course it's existed in various cultures since time began, but still...

Love the clip you provided (especially Benny Hill) AND Michelle's comment above about being in a "class of her own"!

The Bookworm said...

Interesting stuff!

Suko said...

I know my place--this is very interesting!

Sandy M. said...

It doesn't sound very clear, does it? :) It's interesting to me that it's even a conversation, since we tend not to bother too much about class distinctions in Australia. Your own class levels are therefore quite fascinating to this antipodean. Thank you for the post! :)

Alexia561 said...

Don't know why they have to make things so complicated with all of these distinctions. I like Tony Blair's statement that we're all middle class! Although here in America, the middle class keeps being attacked. :(

I took the quiz just for fun, but it must not be working. I like listening to rock and didn't click anything to do with opera or museums, but it pegged me as Elite. Nope! Not this girl! :D

anilkurup59 said...

I prefer economy class because business class is more money for less value.So I stay where I'm comfortable .
What is the middle class?

Kalyan said...

Well aristrocracy has been hammered so much again and again since medieval times that now it is almost thing of the past. Even the govts and the rulers of countries would love to label themselves middle class in public.

Jean said...

I am classless. Pretty much moneyless too.

I suppose sociologists may like to define and label people and I'm sure the Elite have a vested interest in keeping others out of their little clique and those who wish they were Elite may as well - the rest of us are probably pretty liquid although schooling probably sets boundaries.

Yvonne @ Fiction Books Reviews said...

Hi Tracy,

I am fast coming to the conclusion that you either need to be stonking rich, or practically destitute to get anywhere these days. In neither of those situations are you really likely to worry about the state of the nation, or anything much else.

Belonging anywhere in the middle, no matter what label may be attached to it, does you no good at all, because basically you get hammered by everyone!

I love that film clip, they just don't make them like that any more, not that they would be allowed to anyway!

Great post, hope that your weekend was a good one,

Yvonne

Gina said...

Hey...looks like I'm a member of the NEW AFFLUENT WORKERS club too! ^_^ Good company to keep. (Great post!)

Betty Manousos said...

this is very interesting indeed.
love the video too. yes! benny hill.

Stephanie@Fairday's Blog said...

Gosh- so much to think about! I don't think I want to know what class I would be in. ;)