The Middle Class in Britain: Why Many See Themselves as Working Class

It is a common misconception, especially among international observers, that British people who are economically and socioeconomically classified as middle class do not identify as working class at all. In reality, many in this socioeconomic category prefer to align themselves with a working-class identity for a variety of reasons, including social camouflage and a desire to blend into a particular cultural narrative.

Understanding Social Class in Britain

The distinction drawn between the middle class and the working class in Britain is more nuanced than many might think. The term 'working class' in this context refers to individuals who primarily sell their labor and skills to earn a living, whether they wear overalls or sit at desks. They are often referred to as 'proletarians,' meaning they are members of the working class.

Despite the rigid class system in the UK, many British citizens from the middle class prefer to self-identify as working class. This can be seen as a form of concealment, a tactic to blend in with a wider cultural narrative that often favors working-class identities. This preference for self-identification can sometimes extend to those who have held onto the pretense for so long that they start to genuinely believe their own narrative.

Class Identity and Social Demographics

The UK is increasingly becoming an "M-shaped" society, where there are significant disparities between the elites, the shrinking middle class, and the working class. In M-shaped societies, the elites have the means (such as guns and troops) to defend their status, while the working class lacks such protections. This can lead to similar risks of social unrest as seen in cases like the 1992 riots in Los Angeles, where marginalized groups without means to defend themselves might resort to similar actions.

Conflation of Middle Class with Southeastern Affluence

One of the main reasons for this self-identification as working class is the conflation of being middle class with being from the Southeast of England, a stereotypically affluent and privileged region. This can run against regional tribal loyalties and social identities.

For instance, people in the North of England, such as those from Derbyshire, may feel that their identity is not fully captured by a middle-class label if they see it as being too closely associated with the South. A Derbyshire resident, clearly middle class by many standards, might still feel the need to align themselves with a working-class identity based on regional accent or other factors.

Personal Experiences of Class Identity

For many, the process of self-identification as working class is deeply rooted in personal experiences. In my own case, the upbringing and environment significantly influenced my perception of class. I was brought up to believe that being middle class was something to hide rather than something to aspire to.

This indoctrination began early, with bullying from other children at my primary school estate for being 'posh' because my mother owned her own house (with a mortgage) or not living in a council house. This was aggravated when I attended a private high school on a government scholarship, making me a target for more overt forms of bullying.

Further reinforcement came from my father's side of the family, who saw fits of mean-spirited accusations against my aunt, typically based on her living situation, as fair game. This pervasive classism was internalized and impacted various aspects of my life, from my social circle and career choices to my personal character formation.

Even now, despite being comfortably middle class, I would be mortified if someone pointed out my middle-class background in a public manner. This storyline is not unique; it is something experienced by many in the UK and highlights the deep-rooted cultural perceptions around class.

Conclusion

The self-identification of many British middle-class individuals as working class is a complex social phenomenon rooted in a variety of factors, including societal perceptions, personal experiences, and cultural narratives. Understanding this can offer insights into the broader social and economic landscape of the UK, highlighting the need for a more nuanced approach to understanding class in British society.