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Class Society
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Britain is a class society that has traditionally been divided into three social classes. The upper class mostly consists of the wealthy elite. Middle-class people are often those with higher education, for instance, doctors and lawyers. People who work in industry and low-income jobs make up the working class. The class system is visible in the educational system because the upper and upper-middle classes often send their children to expensive independent schools. However, the majority of British schoolchildren attend state schools.
Though the British class system is not as strict as it once was, it is still important. Today, however, class division is more complicated. There is still a high level of inequality and poverty in Britain, but people’s wealth, level of education and type of job are no longer as closely related as before. For instance, people with higher education may not be able to find a well-paid job, but they can still enjoy a rich cultural life. Moreover, the lower class is no longer just the working class, but in fact three different classes. These are the traditional workers; the new workers, often young European migrants in the service sector; and the poorest workers with a low level of education and the most insecure jobs. → Turn page for tasks and more.
Five students from an East London comprehensive school in one of England's most deprived areas will now challenge the traditional class educational system. After winning scholarships as part of a special programme for deprived teenagers, these students will have their education fully paid by Eton and other top institutions. One of them likened it to the game snakes and ladders, saying "I have just shot all the way up the ladder in one go." SOURCE Nsubuga, J. 2020. East London school sends five pupils to Eton and other top institutions. Metro, 7 February. metro.co.uk
class society klassesamfunn low-income lav-inntekt/låginntekt independent schools privatskole attend delta state schools offentlig skole / offentleg skole inequality ulikhet/ulikskap poverty fattigdom closely related nært beslektet / nærskyld
The United Kingdom
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