To wonder what social class I really am?

[veraaloe]

I’d always assumed that I was lower middle class until someone the other day said that I was working class. (She on the other hand is daughter of a plumber who’s successful)

My background is like this.

Mum: Working class, state comp + non RG uni. “Senior” teacher+management. Government work abroad too.

Dad: (upper?) Middle class, went to a big name public boarding school followed by a RG uni, gave up on pHd. Cleaners and nanny growing up. Educated parents. Is in a “profession”. Works for management in local state sector.

Me: State comp but only for people of a certain cultural background. Likes classical music etc. Avid reader. Study at Oxbridge. Lived in a 4 bed period semi in a “nice” area, albeit in a poorer area of the UK. Money has always been fairly tight but holidays abroad every year etc.

Sibling: Doctor.

As I am yet to get my own job etc, what social status would you see me as?

Well it’s a bit difficult to say isn’t it. You haven’t really given us much to go on, if I really had to guess I would say Middle middle or lower due to a lack of education (or rather the things that a private education typically gives you, obviously you may have picked up these things at home from your father). The money doesn’t really come into it beyond preventing your parents from sending you to a public school. The British class system is based much more on behaviour and culture than on wealth or professional attainment.

I would say you're middle class and I'm interested to know why your friend thought you were working class.

You’re absolutely right in saying that it doesn’t really matter, nor is class as rigid in markers as it once was.

I’m only interested, as an historian, I find this sort of thing fascinating.

The conversation my friend and I were having was a relaxed one. She thinks so as I went to a state school and her dad earns twice what mine does. She went to an ex grammar indy day school.