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AIBU?

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Original poster

To wonder if the class system is relevant at my age?

141 replies

scantilymad · 29/01/2014 22:35

The words we choose to say;
The schools we send our children to;
The places we shop;
Where we go on holiday;
The clothes we wear....

There seems to be an endless list of things that people secretly (or not so secretly) judge each other on.

I've just turned 30 and am genuinely intrigued. Does any of that really show what 'class' you might belong to? Why is lower middle looked down on? Do the upper classes care about all these rules?

I can't think of any of my peer group who would define themselves as a 'class'. We are just concerned with doing the best we can in all walks of life.

Is class even relevant anymore?

OP posts:
Alisvolatpropiis · 29/01/2014 22:39

I'm 25 and fully aware of class.

Class is relevant, in amazingly small ways. But always. Perhaps it depends on the circles you move in or the profession you work in as to how aware of it you are. (I am not saying I am U here)

Lower middle class is looked down on because they are "try hards" the quintessential 'keeping up with the Jones's' types.

WorraLiberty · 29/01/2014 22:39

It's always been irrelevant to me.

Alisvolatpropiis · 29/01/2014 22:39

Upper class people don't give a fuck. Or at least give a damn good impression of it.

HesterShaw · 29/01/2014 22:41

I've just come from the what/pardon thread and it genuinely perplexes me. I don't whether it's the circles I move in, but I had no idea anyone was bothered about any of this stuff before I joined MN. I'm 38.

Lounge, settee, serviette, pardon...the things people judge you on! I say all those things and have never had the impression people look down on me. Maybe they do

HesterShaw · 29/01/2014 22:42

Don't know whether....

And I forgot about the haitch/aitch minefield too.

MollyHooper · 29/01/2014 22:43

It has always been irrelevant to me too.

I'm totally classless. Wink

SPsMrLoverManSHABBA · 29/01/2014 22:44

I didn't have a clue that I was making people rage when I say ta

Tbf It's only something I see here

Notcontent · 29/01/2014 22:44

I am not British and very aware of the class system in the UK. I don't like it.

Original poster
scantilymad · 29/01/2014 22:44

I'm aware of what class is. I just don't understand its relevancy anymore...

I'm a lawyer and my husband is in finance. Is that even relevant?

It just all seems a bit trivial....

OP posts:
LRDtheFeministDragon · 29/01/2014 22:46

I think class is relevant, yes.

I don't think I know people in RL who would care what words I used, though I do occasionally come across people who take the piss because I have a RP-ish voice.

I don't see what age has to do with it? Though I suppose it may well be it's something we will all notice more as we get older, if that's what you mean?

I think it is a privilege not to have to think about class, as well.

LRDtheFeministDragon · 29/01/2014 22:47

It's not trivial if your life expectancy is shorter from a combination of money and expectations about going to the GP, which it is for some.

Original poster
scantilymad · 29/01/2014 22:47

Is it because we equate class with money and we think money is good? Which in itself is pretty tacky....but only if it's 'new' money?!

OP posts:
Alisvolatpropiis · 29/01/2014 22:49

scantily

I meant aware as in being made aware of your class by others, rather than not understanding the concept.

It is trivial, absolutely. But there's nothing quite like literally being patted on the head because you're Welsh and didn't go to Oxford to remind you the class system exists and is a big deal to some.

AuntieStella · 29/01/2014 22:50

Class has very little to do with money.

Joysmum · 29/01/2014 22:51

I've been more aware of class since getting my first pony 7 years ago (I was 33). People who don't know us assume I must be classier than I am. People who know me know I'm working class and was the first in our family to go to uni (as a mature student).

Class never came up for me until I got my pony.

WorraLiberty · 29/01/2014 22:51

I think some people equate class with being better people than the classes 'below' them.

Which is a load of crap when you consider some of the behaviour just from the Royal family alone...not to mention from the Lords, Ladies and hangers on.

Original poster
scantilymad · 29/01/2014 22:51

I don't see what age has to do with it?

Well that was the thought in my OP. None of my contemporaries seem to put themselves in any class so far as I am aware. It just doesn't seem important anymore. What is the benefit of a class system?

OP posts:
Alisvolatpropiis · 29/01/2014 22:54

So the underlings don't get too uppity and always remember their place innit.

There is absolutely no benefit to the class system for society as a whole. For individuals of particular groups, massive benefits.

Only have to look at the people who now form the government to see that.

WorraLiberty · 29/01/2014 22:54

Well that was the thought in my OP. None of my contemporaries seem to put themselves in any class so far as I am aware.

They might if their grown up kids wanted to marry a factory hand?

I mean obviously I have no idea, but it might be something to think about Grin

SPsMrLoverManSHABBA · 29/01/2014 22:54

No wonder I don't see class. There isn't a class lower than mine Grin

It's not something I have ever come across in RL

LRDtheFeministDragon · 29/01/2014 22:54

Oh, I see.

I don't think there are benefits but I don't think that means a class system doesn't exist. And I think it has a huge amount to do with money. People like to pretend it doesn't, but in that case - what do you call the situation of having been born into a particular group of people, whom others judge for the ways they act and the amount of money they have?

To me, that's the class system. Probably way too simple, but ...

Svina · 29/01/2014 22:55

I think it is unlikely you will notice class if you move in a fairly homogenous circle.

If you spend time with people who are of different classes, the differences will be noticeable.

People will treat you as other because you look shabby to them. Or people will be unable to relate to you because you do not have the same accent as them. You will find it harder to 'break the ice' with new people.

If you have a good set of friends who you have known since your early 20's, and you all have similar levels of job/ money/ aspiration, then it does not surprise me if you don't notice class.

Original poster
scantilymad · 29/01/2014 22:55

Not to be inflammatory but is a resentment of class perhaps projection? I didn't go to University either. I got a degree around a full time job. I can't say it's ever bothered me I didn't go to Uni...

OP posts:
dashoflime · 29/01/2014 22:58

snobbery which, I think is what the OP is talking about, is irrelevant.
Class is very much relevant.
There is a growing inequality and a reducing economic mobility (except for downwards I suppose) at this time. That's a clsss system. And its becoming more, not less,entrenched.

Original poster
scantilymad · 29/01/2014 22:58

Worra - my Dad worked in a factory and both sides of family from farming stock Smile

OP posts: