Laura Corin Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 A while back there was a thread that got confused about definitions of social class in the UK and the US. I thought that some might be interested in this quiz for new class definitions in the UK. Please note: these are sociological classes used by government/marketers to design services/target customers. This has nothing to do with whether someone is 'classy' or 'has class'. If you want to plug your own figures in, I don't think you would be far wrong if you plugged in dollar numbers in place of pound numbers. The pound is worth a lot more than the dollar, but the cost of living is much higher too. In general, I tend to see things in the States costing about the same in dollar numbers as the same items cost in pound numbers in the UK. Please note also: I don't defend these definitions - I just find them interesting. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted April 5, 2013 Author Share Posted April 5, 2013 The NYTimes did a piece on class a few years back, it is titled Class Matters. The graphics are interesting as are the interviews. Here's the link to it - I look forward to browsing. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebecca VA Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 I think a good number of homeschoolers will find themselves in the "elite" category or close to it. Homeschoolers tend to be more interested in culture and learning than most other people. It's a shame the poll put "wealthy" and "classy" together. I know plenty of people who are on tight budgets but still enjoy things that are beautiful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted April 5, 2013 Author Share Posted April 5, 2013 It's a shame the poll put "wealthy" and "classy" together. I know plenty of people who are on tight budgets but still enjoy things that are beautiful. Yes indeed, but that's about 'being classy' not sociological class. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenmama2 Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Yes indeed, but that's about 'being classy' not sociological class. Laura I disagree. Wealth is socio-economic status, which is entirely different to class. Class has more to do with values and social environment, especially growing up. Then again, I come from a third (English speaking) culture, different yet again from both the US and the UK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted April 5, 2013 Author Share Posted April 5, 2013 I disagree. Wealth is socio-economic status, which is entirely different to class. Class has more to do with values and social environment, especially growing up. Then again, I come from a third (English speaking) culture, different yet again from both the US and the UK. I think that this is somewhat the point. In the UK, 'sociological class' is a combination of economics and other factors. Perhaps in the US (and maybe other countries) this is different. Wikipedia gives the definition for the survey I linked to as: Class as a multi-dimensional construct was defined and measured according to the amount and kind of economic, cultural, and social capital reported. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmos Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 NPR also did a story on this yesterday-- http://www.npr.org/2013/04/04/176267952/britains-class-system-more-complicated-than-once-thought Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 I think their definitions are interesting. I also appreciate that they included a category for people interested in emerging culture while not being well off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 It was interesting to see where it put my family. Nope, didn't make it into the elite. We don't know enough socially acceptable people. LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom in High Heels Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Well, that was interesting. I qualified as elite, but I know people in a wide variety of people in many jobs; Han Solo's godfather is a lawyer, several of our good friends have PhD's, several are doctors and nurses. I'm not sure why that matters. We also go to lots of cultural activities. I studied English and theater in college and James Bond studied music, specifically opera performance, so we love stuff like that. I can see where that would help, I guess, but it made me laugh to be "elite." I'm going to make myself an aristocrat! You may now call me Lady High Heels. :smilielol5: :smilielol5: :smilielol5: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maize Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 It tells me we are established middle class, which is where I would consider myself in American terms as well. We're not wealthy (well below six figure income) but we own a home, have college/advanced degrees, are building up retirement savings, are interested in literature, arts, education in general. We socialize with a wide variety of people, but definitely don't swim in the top circles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathmom Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 We were technical middle class. I had trouble thinking of people I knew socially, but they tended to the white collar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indigomama Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 I think a good number of homeschoolers will find themselves in the "elite" category or close to it. Homeschoolers tend to be more interested in culture and learning than most other people. It's a shame the poll put "wealthy" and "classy" together. I know plenty of people who are on tight budgets but still enjoy things that are beautiful. I think it's funny that you say that. Maybe these boards woud have a large number of those in the "elite" category, but IRL non of the homeschoolers I know would fit in that category. I think even in the US geography plays a large part in it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Apparently, I am "established middle class." Does that mean I'm not moving to Downton Abby any time soon??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 But what about the British "old money" types who lose all their money and have to move out of their castle? Or all the supposedly higher class people who don't have much money to meet their expenses? The fact that they don't work, can't pay for much, and yet come from some supposedly better stock whose ancestors were wealthy means they are still upper class and respectable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted April 5, 2013 Author Share Posted April 5, 2013 But what about the British "old money" types who lose all their money and have to move out of their castle? Or all the supposedly higher class people who don't have much money to meet their expenses? The fact that they don't work, can't pay for much, and yet come from some supposedly better stock whose ancestors were wealthy means they are still upper class and respectable. Yes, I don't think the survey works for those people (a very small group in numerical terms). I just keyed in a moderate income and moderate house with moderate savings but clicked on all the most prestigious social contacts and activities and I came out 'established middle class'. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Yes, I don't think the survey works for those people (a very small group in numerical terms). Ah, well, maybe the minority in real life but the majority in tv dramas, movies, and novels. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8circles Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 I ended up elite. I don't really get it. We aren't wealthy nor do we run in any prestigious circles. We don't come from money nor do we have a lot of it. I just don't get what the point is. I know that sounds snarky, I don't mean it to be. I'm just an ignoramus here. Can someone enlighten me? I understand that my kids have more opportunity because of what we can provide them, both financially & culturally, but beyond that... ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted April 5, 2013 Author Share Posted April 5, 2013 I understand that my kids have more opportunity because of what we can provide them, both financially & culturally, but beyond that... ? That's it. It's a measure of both financial and social capital. As an example: currently, I am working as an administrator and Husband is unemployed. If you looked at us simply as a financial unit, then we would be fairly disadvantaged. We have social capital, however: nous about how to save money; contacts that might lead to another well-paying job, etc. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8circles Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 I think the ratings of who you socialize with are skewed in a small town. There simply are not the same strata compared to where I grew up. My parents really didn't know anyone outside of church, work and the closest neighbors. We know a much wider range of people because there aren't the distinct neighborhoods that are found in a city. I live in a rural suburb yet only 12 miles from a major city-center. I can't imagine not easily knowing & socializing with people of all those occupations. Just in our church, at least 1/2 the occupations were represented. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8circles Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 That's it. It's a measure of both financial and social capital. As an example: currently, I am working as an administrator and Husband is unemployed. If you looked at us simply as a financial unit, then we would be fairly disadvantaged. We have social capital, however: nous about how to save money; contacts that might lead to another well-paying job, etc. Laura OK. I guess I do get it then. :D As far as one's financial state with unemployment & such - that just seems so possibly temporary (yes, I know it can be longterm as well). Seems like one's class can potentially change quite often. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandelion Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Interesting. Our result was elite too, even though we don't regularly "visit stately homes". ;) I think sociological class is a complex construct that is difficult if not impossible to accurately identify through a few questions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWOB Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Apparently I am elite. I now demand you guys treat me with more respect. You should bow down to me and constantly remind me of how smart I am. You may carry on for now. I'll ring when I need you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer3141 Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Apparently I am elite. I now demand you guys treat me with more respect. You should bow down to me and constantly remind me of how smart I am. You may carry on for now. I'll ring when I need you. I would but I'm elite too. We'll have to stomp around on the backs of the middles sometime today. :laugh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 I tried 3 times and changed some variables like our savings, who we socialize with, and activities and all 3 times I get technical middle class. I just can't cut a break. No elite for me. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathmom Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Did the "visit stately homes" mean as a guest or like just touring them as a member of the paying public? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Did the "visit stately homes" mean as a guest or like just touring them as a member of the paying public? Hmmmm... I thought it meant as a paying guest a la Hyacinth Bucket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lavender's green Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 I'm elite. When do I move into Downton? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 I tried 3 times and changed some variables like our savings, who we socialize with, and activities and all 3 times I get technical middle class. I just can't cut a break. No elite for me. :) Perhaps you can hang with me, I'm a new affluent worker, don't know what the means exactly, but there it is. I am wearing my Oxford University hoodie today. I bought it at a garage sale, but I feel smarter when I wear it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom in High Heels Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Apparently I am elite. I now demand you guys treat me with more respect. You should bow down to me and constantly remind me of how smart I am. You may carry on for now. I'll ring when I need you. I would but I'm elite too. We'll have to stomp around on the backs of the middles sometime today. :laugh: I'm elite. When do I move into Downton? Perhaps I should have you ladies over for tea and crumpets at High Heels Manor? We could talk about those dreadful middle class people and how they are trying to hard to join our ranks. Honestly, the nerve. Don't forget to wear a hat, gloves and heels! BTW, check out the quote in my siggy. It's been there for ages. It's like I knew! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted April 5, 2013 Author Share Posted April 5, 2013 Hmmmm... I thought it meant as a paying guest a la Hyacinth Bucket. It means touring during the day as a paying member of the public. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Hahahahahahahahahahahaha well, elite, I am not, friends. Listening to classical music and doing crafts had no effect at all. Ha ha ha ha ha ha. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Um_2_4 Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Well.... some how I made "elite"???....Bwhahaha :smilielol5: ... so when is tea time??? I have my Gma's formals and hats :p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWOB Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Perhaps I should have you ladies over for tea and crumpets at High Heels Manor? We could talk about those dreadful middle class people and how they are trying to hard to join our ranks. Honestly, the nerve. Don't forget to wear a hat, gloves and heels! BTW, check out the quote in my siggy. It's been there for ages. It's like I knew! Will there be booze in the tea? High quality booze of course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paige Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 I'm elite but I think the survey must not be so accurate for the US. I promise I am not elite. I feel uncomfortable and awkward around "the elite." My family of origin is definitely middle class and it would be generous to call many of my extended family working class. We have some family members who are absolutely elite too...I think it is just more fluid in the US. All of us middles, lowers, and elites, get together for holidays and family events and mingle comfortably. I've never lived in the UK, but I'm just guessing so many of us don't feel we scored appropriately because it's different here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momof3littles Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 "Technical Middle Class"-a "small, distinct, and prosperous new class group." Alas, not an elite, LOL. I think it was skewed by the fact that we don't hang out socially with most of the types of employees listed, but my scientist DH and I hang out with other science people a good bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom in High Heels Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Will there be booze in the tea? High quality booze of course. Heck yeah! You can even stay through lunch and we'll drink wine, like all the elite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8circles Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Do elite people have to shampoo their own carpets & wash their own windows? Yes, I guess they do. But should they? [foot stomp] It's not fair! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elinor Everywhere Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Heck yeah! You can even stay through lunch and we'll drink wine, like all the elite. I'm elite, and I'm in! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom in High Heels Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 I'm elite, and I'm in! Sweet! I mean, marvelous darling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 The BBC survey puts my family under Elite but since we are old wealth it kind of skew the results. By income alone we would have been middle class. Do elite people have to shampoo their own carpets & wash their own windows? My windows are washed by professionals (hired by HOA) because of my condo's HOA. I do not know anyone who have shampoo their own carpets successful, all rather pay up for professionals after their own failed attempt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dana Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Looked like it was retirement savings that made us elite...and some pastimes. Were it not for retirement, we'd have been listed lower! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWOB Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Do elite people have to shampoo their own carpets & wash their own windows? Yes, I guess they do. But should they? [foot stomp] It's not fair! I shouldn't have to fold my own laundry! Where are my hired minions?!?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8circles Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 I shouldn't have to fold my own laundry! Where are my hired minions?!?! Ah well, at least I can drink spiked tea while laboring away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElizabethB Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 I shouldn't have to fold my own laundry! Where are my hired minions?!?! They should have been learning more home ec today, isn't laundry home ec? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in TN Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 It tells me we are established middle class, which is where I would consider myself in American terms as well. We're not wealthy (well below six figure income) but we own a home, have college/advanced degrees, are building up retirement savings, are interested in literature, arts, education in general. We socialize with a wide variety of people, but definitely don't swim in the top circles. This is our family, as well. (Stay Classy, Hive) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in TN Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Did the "visit stately homes" mean as a guest or like just touring them as a member of the paying public? Well, I paid to visit one on Wednesday (it was Homeschooler's Day at Cheekwood!), so I claimed that one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Well, it's said I was young, :thumbup1: I'd rather be that than elite. :p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer3141 Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Did the "visit stately homes" mean as a guest or like just touring them as a member of the paying public? I'd like to know if it includes breaking and entering into stately homes... :laugh: Can I become more elite if I break into some of those houses on Lake Michigane tomorrow? The Chicagoans won't be back for 2 more months anyways. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer3141 Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Well, it's said I was young, :thumbup1: I'd rather be that than elite. :p Me too! I want to be young instead, please!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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