When does "working class" become "middle class"?
Poll: When does "working class" become "middle class"?
Total Members Polled: 277
Discussion
Inspired by the thread about middle classes and benefits: based on individual earnings (that's EARNINGS, NOT the amount that the state will give chav tribes for having umpteen kids), where do YOU, the mighty PHer, draw the line between "Working class" and "Middle class"?
Do you consider "working class" to now mean the "non working class" (i.e. the "benefit class")? Or do you think it's decided by more than just your earnings? (As an example, an estate agent may earn the same as a bricklayer, but are they in different classes?)
This is no doubt a large can of worms, but what the hell... should make for some interesting debate/slanging matches
Do you consider "working class" to now mean the "non working class" (i.e. the "benefit class")? Or do you think it's decided by more than just your earnings? (As an example, an estate agent may earn the same as a bricklayer, but are they in different classes?)
This is no doubt a large can of worms, but what the hell... should make for some interesting debate/slanging matches

Edited by Jonny_ on Sunday 25th October 13:58
It may have a relation to money, but class isn't about money. Someone post the link to Stephen Ireland's car thread, it'll show that class isn't solely about cash.
And although it also doesn't define class, its as much to do with manners, outlook, behaviour and overly used and completely misunderstood word "respect".
My next door neighbour, she's self employed, goes abroad 4 or 5 times a year, drives a white 1 series BMW, and like all her friends has wannabe wag, written all her and her peroxide blonde hair. Outwardly demonstrating middle class aspirations, however the way she, her family & her friends behave around the place, much to the annoyance of her surrounding neighbours, you can see they are trying too hard and betray themselves in other respects, as little better than chavs. While her neighbours, all brought up by working class parents, trades and skilled, have considerably more class.
I used to describe myself as working class, I work to live, but as my brother pointed out once when I described myself as that, said, well think about it, you live in a leafy suburb, you own your own home, you're civil servant, you have your own business (part time), and even your parents, stay at home mum, father skilled, management, were not working class, even if that's where they came from. I lie around the house wearing raggy arsed trackie bottoms, and battered old trainers, but wouldn't dream of going to work without a shirt & tie, nor attend a funeral in anything other a dark suit, white shirt black tie, certainly not a leather jacket.
It's actually a bit complicated. I don't really care about class, beyond some people have "class", and I have good friends who were born and were living in social housing who have, its the way you're brought up, while I see and meet many people these days who have no class at all.
I could probably be accused of being a snob, which is of course probably very middle class.
And although it also doesn't define class, its as much to do with manners, outlook, behaviour and overly used and completely misunderstood word "respect".
My next door neighbour, she's self employed, goes abroad 4 or 5 times a year, drives a white 1 series BMW, and like all her friends has wannabe wag, written all her and her peroxide blonde hair. Outwardly demonstrating middle class aspirations, however the way she, her family & her friends behave around the place, much to the annoyance of her surrounding neighbours, you can see they are trying too hard and betray themselves in other respects, as little better than chavs. While her neighbours, all brought up by working class parents, trades and skilled, have considerably more class.
I used to describe myself as working class, I work to live, but as my brother pointed out once when I described myself as that, said, well think about it, you live in a leafy suburb, you own your own home, you're civil servant, you have your own business (part time), and even your parents, stay at home mum, father skilled, management, were not working class, even if that's where they came from. I lie around the house wearing raggy arsed trackie bottoms, and battered old trainers, but wouldn't dream of going to work without a shirt & tie, nor attend a funeral in anything other a dark suit, white shirt black tie, certainly not a leather jacket.
It's actually a bit complicated. I don't really care about class, beyond some people have "class", and I have good friends who were born and were living in social housing who have, its the way you're brought up, while I see and meet many people these days who have no class at all.
I could probably be accused of being a snob, which is of course probably very middle class.
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