class

[Old Hack]

We welcome constructive feedback.

Good man.

[Mich the Tester]

The first problem is: are you looking at a cultural or economic analysis?

Culturally you may fund that a self-emoloyed plumber is working class and a teacher in a non-managerial position middle class.

Economically you may find it the other way round.

By economic I do not mean simply how much you earn, but also your relationship to your work.

Indeed. I think that among the economic upper class there is a cultural underclass, and that's part of the reason for our economic problems right now.

My grandfather is an example of the opposite; he was economically working class, having been a mechanic, a signwriter and a professional cricketer which was, back in the 40s, very much a working class role; he wasn't allowed in the same changing rooms or the same bar as the 'gentleman players', who looked down on anyone who couldn't afford to be an amateur. He still lives in a council house on a meagre pension about which he has never complained, and repairs his own clothes while being over 90. However, he is well read in German and British philosophy (he has recently been asked to give a lecture on Friedrich Schiller at Manchester University, despite having left school at 15 with no academic qualifications), has played the violin to a very high grade, has collected ALL the works of Beethoven and Mahler on vinyl (and recently gave them to me :-) and is probably the most polite, gracious individual you could ever meet. He is economically working class, but you could argue he is culturally upper class (he is the son of a German patrician who was so disgusted and terrified by Kaizer Wilhelm's warmongering that he left behind everything to move to England, but that's another story).

As for me, I like to think I've escaped the class system by moving away from the UK, but I also find myself disapproving of bling-bling new money, the singularly economic view of the world and humanity that seems popular at the moment, and I don't like to show off wealth. Quite what that makes me, I don't know.

[sasguru]

Personally I don't have much money coming in, just rental income (taxed) and some small investment income.
But it's enough for my needs and to pay my share of the bills (wife works and pays other half) so at least I can say I'm not a kept man.
But I don't have to work ever again if I choose, although boredom seems pushing me to work part time at least.
In my spare time I like mathematical pursuits, driving my GT, gardening, trying to write my novel, arguing with cretins on CUK.
Have no idea what class that makes me.

[Mich the Tester]

Let's face it, some of the aristos are as financially poor as church mice.

ftfy

[sasguru]

Indeed there are some people who are so poor, all they have is money.

[doodab]

As for me, I like to think I've escaped the class system by moving away from the UK, but I also find myself disapproving of bling-bling new money, the singularly economic view of the world and humanity that seems popular at the moment, and I don't like to show off wealth. Quite what that makes me, I don't know.

Classy?

[aussielong]

This is what I like about Australia. The class system is based on money. There is no discrimination based on what you were, it's based on what you are. Which is slightly less bad.

[alreadypacked]

This is what I like about Australia. The class system is based on money. There is no discrimination based on what you were, it's based on what you are. Which is slightly less bad.

Speaking of money, did you get a new contract yet?

Another space needed on the bench tomorrow, so get a move on.

[DimPrawn]

Personally I don't have much money coming in, just rental income (taxed) and some small investment income.
But it's enough for my needs and to pay my share of the bills (wife works and pays other half) so at least I can say I'm not a kept man.
But I don't have to work ever again if I choose, although boredom seems pushing me to work part time at least.
In my spare time I like mathematical pursuits, driving my GT, gardening, trying to write my novel, arguing with cretins on CUK.
Have no idea what class that makes me.

Bottom of the

HTH BIDI

[NotAllThere]

It's very simple. The working class emigrate to Spain. The middle class to France, and the upper class... well, modesty forbids.

Poll added.