To wonder why MN's so concerned with class

[ivykaty44]

Is it envy, is that what it boils down to pure envy of someone else and they might be doing better.

Even the cycling threads end up with class being brought into the mix.

Why is class brought into so many thread - even this one!

My grandmother who had at least 7 generations of family portraits on her walls, did not have a fridge because they were a waste of money.

Ours is crumbling and built in the time of George III, although somehow I bet they look a little different LeQ . Two old mill houses knocked together mine, love it to bits.

I do think uni is one key; I am grad and have studied further, sisters either are or soon will be.

Ahhh but Peachy - even uni isn't the key anymore!! Look at all the RG threads on here.

So why is it important whether your grandmother had a fridge or not and what she hung on her walls? Why do you describe your fathers as working class, or where you go on holiday as MC or hybred - thats a new one.

Is it because it defines where you came from in some way to then describe why you do something or say tea or dinner? Or what sport you play?

LeQueen - i think you are totally wrong. You are very middle class.

The upper classes is the only band you can't move in or out of .

That's an interesting thought about uni Peachy given the current model of 50% uni attendance, combined with 80% claiming they're "working class"!

I would say I'm a bit of a hybrid meself...

Alpine - I think the term 'classy' is often used (I'm going to get shot down here..but I'm prepared for it!) by err people who aspire to middle class but who will never be...because of the people they are (people like some of the TOWIE's and definitely Jordan)....the brash and crass brigade.

I'd say I'm pretty much a hybrid too....and proud!
Proud of my roots and proud of where I am now.

No ivykaty, it doesn't define me but it does illustrate the point about money and class. I name changed as I particularly don't like anyone I know knowing about my background, as they'll think it's weird.

I can't remember for sure, but I think it was somebody saying "you know, people make jokes about Essex" and Amy interpreted it as because they were so classy - and her interpretation of class meant dressing up day-in, day-out. (I love TOWIE though because they are so unashamed of who and what they are - probably fucking clueless, but I love it. :))

Well I don't think the 50% model ever truly kicked off did it with the new changes, and I never said I agreed with the stats on working class- they seem somewhat ridiculous. Presumably the translates into bollocks but it's what I see from my people in background, where very few of us got as far as Uni; my guess is that of those 50% most would not be WC anyway; certainly from my generation and school, you'd be lucky to get one child a year in a six form year school go to uni.

What's a TOWIE by the way? I am bemused!

originalposter But not having a fridge would be a waste of money if you had a half-decent pantry and somewhere cool to hang meat - which presumably they did have.

Peachy Hold on to your Horse & Hound, TOWIE is The Only Way Is Essex. They're so dim/orange/brash you cannot help but like them. Chihuauas, vajazzles, spray tans, lap-dancer heels and living as though the world revolves around them only.

i think your status as an adult is the deciding factor - not what/where you come from.

I'd say i'm middle class - but come from working class family, lived in a council house, free school meals etc.

but i'm university educated, home owner, travelled, professional career.
Makes me middle class in my book !

I have a mixed background. Private school (all 7 of us and a few to boarding school), trust fund, beach house, my great uncle was a rather prominent archbishop, another great uncle was knighted for services to medicine whilst in chile, a few postgraduate qualifications. But I married a working class man who is from a long line of market gardeners and owns his own business even though he left school before O levels. So I dont really fit nor care.

alpine she had a meat safe, game larder, scullery, pantry and the rest

I think it's a mix Nancy. Equally if your child were to go from what you're providing now, through university, gap year (if applicable) - but, circumstances leave them in a council house/free school meals they would still have those middle-class "aspirations".

I'm fucking middle class alright !!!!!

Love TOWIE too...and don't miss an episode (tho it's becoming way too contrived now). Am becoming a bit disillusioned with some of the characters...
Loved Kirk and Arg initially (but am going right off them as they seem to be showing their true colours - whch aren't very nice). Lidia's Mum Debbie is a scream...and Amy is hilarious.

Didn't watch the first series but may well order it...hubs is now into it as well.

I don't know how they all make their money...but some of them do seem to work very hard and I'm all for those who work hard and honestly and reap the rewards of that. I like that Amy and Sam have their own businesses.....but they do all seem to be quite materialistic and self obsessed. I think it's a shame that people in their teens and 20s feel the need to inject themselves with botulinum for fear of showing wrinkles...and having those boob jobs.

Entertaining viewing tho (without a doubt).

Well, I have a degree, live in a MC house in a MC area which is crumbling and full of books (the house not the area), DP is a professional, we have a 20 year old volvo....but I am working class and proud. And if my kids showed signs of MC'ness I'd drown 'em

wHat is MC?

Middle Class.

Ah...sorry

I'll forgive you breathing