Why do some people feel the need to describe themselves as ‘middle class’?

[lottieandmia22]

I met a man who said

‘I am incredibly lucky. I’m a middle class, white, straight male which puts me at an advantage’

Frankly, this made my teeth itch. I thought ‘what a tosser’

Why do people feel the need to do this? I couldn’t care less which class I am.

Are teachers classed as middle class ?

I thought more professional types like
Lawyers/ accountants etc

Teaching is classed as a profession

But he sounds like he was acknowledging privilege, much better than the opposite to be honest (Oh, I am very rich, it was all done through hard work and wits, no luck involved)

Even with the "I am beautiful" example, that would be worse, yes, but I would still prefer somebody to say yes, I am good looking and it has helped than what you sometimes hear (Oh, looks have got nothing to do with anything, actually, being beautiful can be such a burden)

It’s not something to be apologetic about but it’s not something to brag about either. Would you brag about being good looking or having an IQ of 140 for example? It just makes people sound smug.

I wouldn't just randomly tell someone that but it's very obvious that I am, and it comes up in chats and things here - if we're talking about class on Mumsnet then I usually say to give clarity to my comments and so my biases are clear to others. Same in IRL conversation, if it comes up.

I do understand what people mean when they say they're WC even though they're clearly living a MC lifestyle, too - it means that's how they grew up, and it's what has informed their lives, and it's important to them and their identity.

When you're dating someone you're finding out about them, and they about you - you've found out that you don't like how this man thinks about class and that he seemed to be wearing how he defines class as a badge of honour. He might think he was owning his privileges.

I guess it depends on how he said it, and you're not being unreasonable to find it irritating - you were there and you're the one who'd potentially be seeing someone with attitudes you don't like. I certainly don't think it's something I would say on a date!

Tbh Wikipedia says administrators are middle class so I wouldn't believe anything you read on the internet.

It’s clear as well, even from this thread that what class someone is can be subjective.

I think context is important there. That sentence one doesn't sound like a brag, but maybe in the context of a conversation it was.

theimportanceofbeinghappy most middle class people work, and many work hard for every penny. I know DH and I do!

I think he was recognising that he's had advantages in life BUT to say all that on a first date is incredibly twatty.

But as part of a discussion about privilege, surely it makes sense? Like I'm a woman, but my other privileges (white, being middle class) generally outweigh that. Being "middle class" is often regarded as a privilege because it might mean any/all of: your parents have handy friends in well paid industries who can give you work experience or advice so you're better prepared for interviews, you might be more likely to inherit money or have help with a house deposit or through uni, you might be more able to access a solicitor if you have legal problems etc.

But obviously depends on the tone!

How do you know if you're middle class? What are the criteria for being middle class?

Try this Class Quiz from the Beeb

It doesnt annoy me as much as the ones, that have to tell you they got a degree in every sentence.

Look at me, Ive got a degree

"When I did myyyyy degree"

Its all about me and my fucking degreeeee

I think he's just acknowledging his privilege which is a good thing. I find people more annoying when they say things like 'oh, I just see colour' or 'let's not label ourselves' when what they mean is 'I am totally in denial about the ways my life has been made easier'.

They are always boring bastards as well

Haha I agree about the me and my degree thing

To me, middle class are the Middletons of the world.

Royalty are upper class.

Surely if you have a job, you are working class!

’I am incredibly lucky. I’m a middle class, white, straight male which puts me at an advantage’

Sounds like he’s quite self aware and is acknowledging his privilege.

Better that than someone who thinks those things have no bearing on his achievements and that poor, marginalised people are that way due to their own failings and all they have to do is stop whining and work harder.

Not necessarily what I’d be expecting to discuss on a first date, mind.

Everyone who has come onto this thread to stress they are middle class is just toe curlingly cringy... no one cares!

And for fuck sake - cleaners can be middle class, accountants can be working class. The only people who are desperate to say it are those seeking approval from others.

@YorkieDorkie thanks for the link! I'm 'emergent service worker' whatever that means.

But we're talking about class food. We're not just randomly interjecting it in other conversations. It's relevant - and the way we define our own class colours every conversation about class, so it's relevant to say it so that everyone can judge biases and see where your points are coming from.

You're right that people don't care in other contexts. But in this thread it's relevant.

We do need to know the context - where in the conversation did it happen? Out of the blue, then weird. But in the context of where he is in life, then he's saying "OK, I may be a but I've had all the advantages, I've been lucky" which is good. There's plenty of middle class white straight males who think their success is entirely due to their own hard work and brilliance.

In my experience the only people who actually care about class are the middle classes; it screams insecurity and people sometimes seem desperate to prove their self worth. WC and UC generally couldn't give a flying fuck