Class, does it matter?

[minimathsmouse]

We hear a lot about class but do we really unpack it and analyse it? We hear lots of terms such as the political class, working class, sex class, upper class, are we happy when we can categorise people, do we make assumptions and hold prejudices about people and class, do we feel more secure when we know where we are in the social pecking order?

Do we have allegiances to class, are we really attached to the idea because we are sentimental and class lines move but our perceptions haven't. Or is that the other way around, we think they have moved but in fact the same prejudice and antagonism is still bubbling below the surface?

Is it the last frontier in discrimination. Could we even tell if class discrimination actually does effect people in similar ways such as women's oppression or racism or other forms of discrimination.

Do we live in a meritocracy where class is no longer an issue?

What would society be like without class?

Dear Ms A,

I care about all young people who are not gainfully employed. Graduate unemployment for a start is very sad and demoralising.

I'm not sure we all need to work much less mouse, a little in many cases maybe but we should be creative about the kind of helpful jobs people can do. I don't actually think taking benefits for long periods of time is good for anyone and projects could be run to keep people busy: carers. park maintenance, all sorts. People should be productive and creative to feel happy.

Large Businesses should have to contribute to job creation thru tax/ jobs they can offer. I know huge hullaballoo about free volunteer workers but principle that people should be doing is right I think - to improve everyone's well being.

We have to move away from greed at top and manic consumerism - children seems to be particularly targeted in recent year I feel thru advertising and branding.