Being middle class based on what you own?

[BlancheBlue]

Anyone seen this "quiz" in the telegraph - aside from the fact that it is probably just to flog certain items, anyone agree with this list or come out with all of them.

Hot tubs ffs? "vulgar" no?

www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/09/23/how-middle-class-are-you-it-depends-how-many-of-these-items-you/

I don't think anyone thinks that Malice. My dad was probably middle class but identified with the working class and would have refused to have been labelled middle class. Some of that has rubbed off on me. If middle class means snobby I don't want to know and prefer the company of other friends that might be described by some - not me - as more working class. These definitions are so fluid anyway. I also grew up part of the time on a council estate. I don't think council estate in the 60s and 70s automatically meant "rough".

We have a barbeque which we used to take camping. Now it's rotting somewhere in the back garden. We haven't used it for years. We do have a smart tv - it's not terribly smart, tbh, as it's unable to get any of the catch up channels except BBC ones (I suppose that makes the tv very middle class!).

Otherwise, it's a resounding no to everything else, but the quiz kept changing my Nos to Yeses. So I am apparently massively mc. Which, truth be told, I actually am.

malice

This is why class is hard! Some think you can change/move class, other think you never change despite any possessions/lifestyle.

So many different opinions that class is based on ones background/work/money/possessions/lifestyle etc etc

Are coasters one step up from leaving plastic covering on your three piece suite to protect it?

I suppose so! My lovely ILs did this for several years, until the squeaking and crackling every time someone sat down finally did their heads in.

Its funny though isn't it how people's definition of class differs so much. I agree the quiz is pretty crap but some people do indeed feel different if they can afford to them "nice" stuff and there is nothing wrong with that. One person's vulgar is the next person's good taste.

I agree entirely that one person's 'vulgar' is another person's good taste - the thing is, though, that tastes are also partly mandated by their social class, or the social class they want to identify with. I mean, I'm pretty sure that Princess Charlotte, even in her most private and informal moments, never wore a baby headband.

Cuddles, whether or not social class is something you are aware of in your daily life, it has a continuing enormous impact on people's everyday lives in things like educational attainment, health, life expectancy etc etc.

It's not some minor issue involving what you call the piece of furniture you might slouch on in the evenings when relaxing.

It's both isn't it - you never lose where you are from, but you do change economic bracket, and when you do, you lose touch with parts of your identity. (Memory of poverty isn't the same as living it, it really isn't).

BlancheBlue That's just the way I feel - there's lower, middle and upperclass... We shouldn't be put into a class, judging by what we have or how much money we have.

Smart TV - naff
Dyson - of course darlink I have dogs
Barbecue - brick built lopsided monstrosity
Vinyls - into indie/Communion records so lots of vinylEPs
iMac - overpriced, overhyped
Nutribullet - I have a hand blender and masher
Luggage - Samsonite passport holder
Wood burner - does an electric lookie like count?
Spiralizer - all supermarkets sell vegetable spaghetti these days
Mulberry bag - naff
Matching coasters - how non U, nothing should match
Boiling water tap - I have a kettle
Hot tub- naff
Aga - I wish
Smeg - I wish
Brompton - I have a Call the Midwives with basket and all.

What fun

tea maybe that is why Pippa M went to the high court to stop publication of a baby headband shot"

annielouise I assure you, some do. For me it's about what you personally identify as. The definitions are fluid (home ownership will soon fall off the list - if it hasn't already) but I do take issue with the way in which people self-identify (usually in a bid to maintain status) and scoff at others.

I'm sure most would identify us as middle class (objectively) but my accent (and my STBXW) is solidly working class. That in itself would be enough (were we bothered) to get us kicked out of the proverbial club.

I am definitely middle class and own none of those things. Dh owns a smart tv, but nothing else on the list, he's from a working class background but I'd say was middle class now. Rubbishy article for attention.

What a joke quiz (and I am a Telegraph reader ) it is really just about 'labels' ............... DH and I are boringly, solidly MC and yet the quiz says we are not just based on what we do or don't buy. Interestingly DH had a very senior professional job for many years but now works in a manual job - does that suddenly make him 'working class'? . I also had a senior, salaried job but now work in a NMW job - have I changed class too?

My DM loves to describe herself as 'working class' - goodness only knows why, she is the most middle class person I know but seems to think being 'middle class' is something of an insult.

the quiz is crap- I scored 3 and am def middle class

four

Wood burner - does an electric lookie like count

yeah fuck stove cleaning and wood chopping!

I've no problem with moving classes (it's socially desirable to the extent you give a shit about this sort of stuff)

The movement should be both ways. I know some people who identify as middle class off the backs of their parents and their upbringing.

How hilarious - the only things I own on that list are matching coasters, a woodburner and an Aga range cooker, probably the most "middle class" items on the list and apparently I am NOT middle class.

I'm not middle class at all, but I can spell barbecue...

teahornet not on your nelly. I loathed that song. Mainly because DM said it had a "nice" tune. . Hands up to spandau, wham, Duran Duran, culture club and human league though.

annielouise, your post makes it sound as though you consider solidly MC as somehow superior to aspirational. Since when did we consider aspiration in a snidey way? Only in mumsnet I guess.
I dont feel at all aspirational. Certainly not towards being MC. DH grew up in a council house, son of a single mum. He went to Oxford and is now a very well paid lawyer. I grew up in a Notts put village during the strike. Dad was a miner. During the strike we survived on hand outs. I gave a prof qualification and a masters. We have a thankfully financially secure life. I don't consider myself to fit into any of these sets.

What the hell are matching coasters anyway? Matching with what? Each other? With other table stuff?

Going by husband's job, income, interests etc we would probably be considered MC by many. We are council estate kids though and will always identyfy as WC no matter what. My kids though might be MC.

Hot tubs are often on the lists of what you do not own if you are superior.

"Hot tub
I have written before that there are few worse accusations one can level against someone than that they own, or aspire to own, a hot tub.Why anyone in sound mind would want to spend an evening mutually soaking with a group of flabby friends whilst microscopic chunks of epidermis float past is a continual conundrum."

Can't argue with that.

I also own an ancient Landrover - v MC. Why is that not on the list??

dollius country mc VS urban/suburban MC

As for the wood burner, it has to be the real deal. The fake versions are most definitely not acceptable if you wish to be considered middle class.

Two!
And the coasters are still to be approved here at the Major Mansion.

I came out as solidly MC on the following language quiz, though.