• Start
• How to
• Drivers
• News
• Forums
• About

Attitudes towards class and socio-economic status

The decline of traditional industries and the fast post-war growth in the service, enterprise and knowledge economies have resulted in a more affluent society with less distinct class boundaries. More people identify themselves as middle class than forty years ago [1] and there has been a declining involvement in institutions such as trade unions and political parties, which used to reflect degrees of class solidarity. However, class remains a fundamental influence on people’s attitudes, values and behaviours. Social mobility in the UK has declined and is the worst in Europe [2] despite a decade of social policies designed to encourage a society where all individuals have the chance to succeed.

What are the implications?

• As the sector shifts away from notions of philanthropy (where the rich simply gave to the poor which did little to address the root causes of poverty)and meant that charities often reinforced class divides), there is potential for the sector to help break down traditional boundaries, challenge stereotypes and encourage the least well off to play an active, fulfilling and influential part in society.
• There is a risk that routes into the sector which depend on volunteering or internships may only attract those from wealthy backgrounds if social mobility continues to decrease.
• Declining public participation in decision making as institutions such as trade unions and political parties, which used to reflect degrees of class solidarity are no longer associated with traditional notions of class.
• Changes to levels of individual giving, numbers of volunteers and support for campaigns for some VCOs as traditional notions of class become less connected with them.

Moving forward

• How can your organisation encourage service users and others to take on roles that they might not have otherwise believed were open to them?
• What can your organisation do to ensure it provides people from differing backgrounds with the same opportunities to participate in your work?

[1] Who do we think we are? The decline of traditional social identities, British Social Attitudes, National Centre for Social Research, 2007

[2] Intergenerational mobility in Europe and North America, Centre for Economic Performance, London School of Economics, 2006