Is Class Still a Relevant Factor in 21st Century Britain - Essay Example

Is still a relevant factor in 21st Century Britain? Due Historically, has been a major determinant of Britain societies (Zweig, 2012, pp. 61). The trans-generational concept has survived the tide of technology and education to categorize Britain into particular groups. Traditionally, Britain gained the caste system that has thrashed aspects like endogamy, political influence and hereditary transmission into occupation (Winnett, 2012, pp. 01). The Frost Report sketch of 1960s divides the British society into three groups mainly upper, middle, and lower. Essentially, the British society has experienced a change in class structure from the Second World War. The efforts aimed at reconstituting and uniting the community have led to expansion of a service-dominated economy, investment in higher education, migration and change of culture (Ramesh, 2012, pp. 12). Nevertheless, the category has been dismissed bringing into light seven classes ranging from the technical to economic boundaries. Despite the efforts in Britain, the paper attempts to question the relevance of class in the 21st century. From the perspective of politics, analysts view class as an important divisive factor responsible for planning elections in Britain. In the 21st century, many people have advanced political interests, gained privileges and made similar achievements because of class (Riddell, 2011, pp. 01). Evidently, this explains voting patterns as well as political parties’ fortunes responsible for showing different successive elements. Apparently, this remains a key strategy employed by Margaret Thatcher party in the modernization of labour party while focusing on the modern class (Quinn, 2011, pp. 395). Essentially, class forms the back born of British politics; however, it has significantly derailed development systems. For example, it is because of class that relationships between upper class and conservative parties have worsened raising various questions. According to Ross (2012), class has transformed one aspect of the society into a tool while others enjoy giving directives. Certainly, this makes class a bad element of the 21st century that should be discouraged by the Britain society although a reality. Undeniably, various forms of class have been on the rise despite attempts to unite the society. Webber and Marx discuss social stratification mainly to be based on three areas; however, new developments are easily engulfing the society (Yates, 1998, pp. 121). In essence, previous researchers should make more studies into the field to cover the developments. The upper class has a series of interests ranging from conflicts to shared gains. The diametrically opposed ideologies forms entities, which directly influences policy outcomes and participation in relevant fields. From this extent, class extends from a mere physical outrage to the extensive political, social and cultural facets responsible for steering the society into greater heights. Ross (2012) reiterates that in the 21st century, class in Britain differs from the Victoria England era. Nonetheless, class affects important aspects of the society making it a nuisance rather than an additive. Undoubtedly, class remains a constructed entity of social mobility that shifts with time and demand. Marx (1973) in ‘English Revolution’ notes that consolidation of constitutional monarchy forces existence of new and existing needs (Ramesh, 2012, pp. 12). In the past, royal absolutism narrowed down class to power and money; however, in the 21st century, the problem has extended to technical and other forms of ownership. Sociologists view the contemporary lifestyle and economy to be full of class. In as much as it is a fact, a limited number of people can believe the fact that Britain remains class bound. Preaching for democracy tops the list of many people aggravating for change. Nonetheless, this remains contrary to beliefs (Quinn, 2011, pp. 396). The inheritance tax, for example, does not share common goals but rather perpetuates the class regime. From this perspective, many people have continued to stream down to poverty while other enjoy financial transition from their empowered relatives. In the wake of technology and globalization, this should not be the case. In the 21st century, class should not have any place, but rather it should be ejected with all forces necessary. Because of class, Britain experienced sociological orthodoxy. Despite boasting as a democracy giant the occupational selection and recruitment process in Britain, still raises many questions (Page, 2007, p. 28). Despite being in the 21st century reservations still exists for given posts within and outside the political system. Interestingly, many rich people in Britain remain self-made rather than inheritors; nevertheless, an important question of reserve for occupational chances raises eyebrows. Conceivably, one is likely to succeed in the modern Britain when bright from a wealthy family than from other classes. Rodgers (2005) notes that the sad reflection brings into perspective the role of class is uniting and enforcing equality in the society. Certainly, integrity and vitality are important aspects of the society with great trail in development. The white-blue collar barrier is ever determining the working class still affects the unsuspecting public limiting opportunities rather than promoting intergenerational movement. In this light, class remains part of problems that limit access, equity and proper employment for all people regardless of race or educational background. Notably, class is not a static entity. At the same time, it is not an inevitable recipe for success responsible for the contemporary success. Marx and Engles (2004) cited in (Weakliem & Heath, 2004, pp. 132) ascertains that the modern society finds root from the wrongs of the feudal system. Conceivably, the system eliminated class antagonism but introduced worse conditions for struggle and oppression. Undeniably, if class originated from human then at one point in time class did not exist (Ramesh, 2012, pp. 12). Based on the class formation theory, the social stratification is not a natural course, but rather distinctions brought by people. It, therefore, is important to bring back the classless society free of oppression and inequality. On the other hand, abolishing classes only rely on the ability of the society to accept and trace the origins of income (Wood, 2012, pp. 01). Additionally, it is imperative to bring on board the economic and legal viewpoints that recommend a given for of ownership for people in the society. Since all income come from work, not every has the chance if not privilege to work. Rodgers (2005) observes that the problem spreads to various aspects of the society such as education and social units that require the use of money rather than sympathy. From this perspective, the reality surrounding class brings into light various agents that require ardent analysis before scrutiny on its need (Radice, 2010, pp. 129). The definition of class is important when addressing its need in the society. Indeed, class exists and refuting its role in the society amounts to fear for others while it totals to threat for the upper classes. In Britain, class spreads across a number of fields ranging from health, education, library usage to housing. It has transcended beyond the traditional political relationship to the economic and ultimately social life. Undeniably, this raises many questions on the successive economic policies and leverage for better life as well as the future of Britain (Weir & Beetham, 1999, pp. 47). Questions of class are important. It is vital to examine the society and pre-empt its future; however, the question remains whether it is the same people who can make a change in the class system of the society. Irrespective of class element re-defining economic and social problems relies on the ability of the Britain government to revise sufficient policies with the ability to bridge the widening gap between class. In conclusion, the question, whether class is relevant in Britain, is important. The unending lists of disadvantages posted by class far much outweigh the advantages. The political class regard it as a tool for gaining political power. On the other hand the social class consider it as the only boundary inducing comfort to education, entertainment, health and labour while economist view it as an initiative to curtail and bring rationality in the modern world. Nevertheless, class remains a reality in the Britain economic, social, and political system hence making it a relevant and most importantly medium employed by different people to advance varied interest. References Page, R. M., 2007. Without a Song in their Heart: New Labour,the Welfare State and the Retreat from Democratic Socialsim. Journal of Social Policy 36(1), pp. 19-37. Quinn, T., 2011. From New Labour to New Politics: The British General Election of 2010. West European Politics 34(2), pp. 394-402. Radice, H., 2010. Cutting Government Defecits: Economic Science or Class War. Capital & Class 35(1), pp. 125-137. Ramesh, R., 2012. Analysis: An Agenda to Blame Poverty on the Poor. The Guardian, 15 06 2012, p. 12. Riddell, M., 2011. 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Political Power and Democratic Control in Britain. London: Routledge. Winnett, R., 2012. Budget 2012: Granny tax hits five million pensioners. [Online] Available at:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/how-budget-affect-me/9159295/Budget-2012-Granny-tax-hits-five-millionpensioners.html [Accessed 06 16 2012] Wood, N., 2012. Budget 2012: Class War Returns. Osborne Rewards Success While Milliband Levels Down. [Online] Available at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2118257/BUDGET-2012-Class-war-returns-Osborne-rewards-success-Miliband-levels-down.html [Accessed 16 06 2012]. Yates, C., 1998. Defining the Fault Lines: New Divisions in the Working Class. Capital & Class 22(3), pp. 119-148. Zweig, M., 2012. The Working Class Majority: Americas Best Kept Secret. New York: Cornell University Press Read More