Great Britain has often been described as a very class-conscious society. Some people even proclaim the British as “obsessed with class” and Britain as a “very rigid society”1. Compared to other countries such as Germany this statement seems true. These different states of society are due to ‘individual’ developments and national attitudes towards class e.g. whereas in Britain the Industrial Revolution already had begun, Germany still suffered from feudalism.
Apart from those historical developments class gains in almost every modern nation another emphasise. In Britain the recent years opened up the discussion on a classless society. Politicians more and more referred to this vision of a society in which the rigid divisions between social groups are reduced and everyone benefits from the wealth and efforts of modern life.
In this paper I firstly want to discuss general ideas and definitions concerning the term ‘class’ and especially the ‘middle class’, which is my main topic. Secondly, I want to draw the attention to historical developments and therefore, how the middle class succeeded to gain more influence in politics and economy.
Finally, I will concentrate on the recent debate on the question: “Is Britain a classless society?”. In this part I will try to compare different opinions and arguments in present-day publications.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Main Part
- 2.1 Definition of the term 'class'
- 2.2 Aspects of the term 'Middle Class'
- 2.3 Developments of Britain's Society from 1780 till 1950
- 2.4 Middle Class in Britain today – “The New Middle Class”
- 2.4.1 The ‘embourgeoisement' thesis
- 2.4.2 Towards a 'classless' society?
- 3. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to explore the concept of class, specifically the middle class, within British society. It examines historical developments influencing the middle class's rise and influence, culminating in a discussion surrounding the contemporary debate on whether Britain is transitioning towards a classless society.
- Definition and evolution of the concept of "class" in Britain.
- The development and increasing influence of the British middle class.
- Historical context and impact of industrialization on class structures.
- Analysis of the "embourgeoisement" thesis and its relevance to modern Britain.
- The ongoing debate regarding the existence of a classless society in Britain.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the paper by establishing the prevalent perception of Britain as a class-conscious society, contrasting it with other nations like Germany. It highlights the historical context, including the Industrial Revolution's differing impact on Britain and Germany, and introduces the central question of whether Britain is moving towards a classless society. The chapter lays out the paper's structure, outlining the exploration of class definitions, historical developments of the middle class, and the contemporary debate on classlessness.
2.1 Definition of the term 'class': This section delves into the multifaceted definition of "class," examining both economic and social perspectives. It contrasts the economic definition of class—a group with a shared economic and social standing—with Karl Marx's more nuanced view, which emphasizes economic factors, class consciousness, and the pursuit of political power to protect economic interests. The chapter then applies these definitions to 18th-century Britain, highlighting the landed gentry and aristocracy as the sole class fitting Marx's criteria. The section concludes by noting the changes brought about by industrialization, the rise of the middle class, and the emergence of class consciousness among lower classes.
2.2 Aspects of the term 'Middle Class': This section focuses on defining and characterizing the middle class. It begins by establishing the middle class as the segment of society situated between the aristocracy and the working class, neither extremely rich nor impoverished. The chapter then explores current definitions of the middle class, noting its significant size (one-fifth to one-third of the population) and diverse occupational range, encompassing various professions and service-based roles. The section touches upon the blurry boundaries between the middle class and both the upper and lower classes, highlighting the phenomenon of social mobility and the aspirations of individuals to move between these classes.
Keywords
British class system, middle class, class consciousness, social mobility, industrial revolution, embourgeoisement, classless society, historical development, social stratification, economic inequality.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this academic paper?
This paper explores the concept of class, specifically the middle class, in British society. It examines its historical development, its current state, and the ongoing debate about whether Britain is becoming a classless society.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores the definition and evolution of "class" in Britain; the rise and influence of the British middle class; the impact of industrialization on class structures; the "embourgeoisement" thesis and its relevance to modern Britain; and the debate surrounding the existence of a classless society in Britain.
What historical periods does the paper cover?
The paper primarily focuses on the period from 1780 to the present day, with a significant emphasis on the impact of the Industrial Revolution on class structures and the subsequent development of the middle class.
How does the paper define "class"?
The paper examines both economic and social definitions of "class." It contrasts a purely economic definition with Karl Marx's more nuanced view, which considers economic factors, class consciousness, and the pursuit of political power. The paper applies these definitions to the historical context of Britain, tracing the changes brought about by industrialization and the rise of the middle class.
What is the "embourgeoisement" thesis, and how does it relate to the paper?
The "embourgeoisement" thesis is a key concept discussed in the paper. It explores the idea of the working class adopting middle-class values and aspirations. The paper analyzes its relevance to the contemporary debate on class structures in modern Britain.
What is the paper's conclusion regarding a "classless society" in Britain?
The provided preview doesn't explicitly state the paper's final conclusion on whether Britain is becoming classless. However, it highlights the ongoing debate surrounding this topic as a central theme of the research.
What are the chapter summaries provided in the preview?
The preview includes summaries for the introduction, which sets the stage and outlines the paper's structure; chapter 2.1, which defines "class" and its historical application in Britain; and chapter 2.2, which defines and characterizes the middle class, highlighting its size, diversity, and blurry boundaries with other classes.
What are the key words associated with the paper?
The keywords provided are: British class system, middle class, class consciousness, social mobility, industrial revolution, embourgeoisement, classless society, historical development, social stratification, and economic inequality.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured with an introduction, a main part (divided into subsections defining "class," examining aspects of the middle class, discussing historical developments in British society, and analyzing the "new middle class"), and a conclusion. The main part delves into the "embourgeoisement" thesis and the question of a classless society.
What is the overall objective of the paper?
The objective is to explore the concept of class, focusing on the middle class in British society. The paper aims to examine historical developments influencing the middle class and to discuss whether Britain is moving towards a classless society.
- Quote paper
- Anja Reiff (Author), 2003, Britain - A classless society? The development and influence of the middle class in Great Britain, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/57264
