People writing about class in England without understanding class in England:
The idea that the gentry is a fallen group is perhaps based on an optimistic misconception about what you have to do to remain rich in modern capitalist societies. In fact, you can live off existing wealth. But it’s more than that. If we were to look at the richest 1% through time, we might see families dipping in and out of the group: a wealthy CEO passes money to their children, who remain in the top echelon; but their grandchildren perhaps then fall out of it. Among the aristocracy, though, family lines have managed to sustain themselves in the 1% over many generations. Why? After all, the titled few have just as much, or as little, control over how their children turn out as other wealthy people. Why is it that aristocratic wealth persists and other types often burn out?
Bond and Morton have two possible answers, both of which concern cultural traditions. One is that members of this group are particularly concerned with their dynastic reputation, which prompts them to keep assets together rather than split them between multiple inheritors. The other is that they have a long history of managing money. We think of this group as being out of touch and out of time. “In fact, they are canny wealth managers,” says Morton. “The image of the bumbling aristocrat is false.”
It’s because the aristos marry money.
Alan Sugar is indeed a peer but he’s not an aristo. His grandchildren probably will marry into the aristocracy – or at least the county gentry. Because that’s what the aristos do – marry into money in order to get that roof replaced.
How anyone could observe British class and not note the influx of American brides in the Victorian era is just an absurdity. The bird got the title, Daddy who makde the money got a grandson who would be a Marquis and the roof got repaired.
The aristos haven’t “maintained” their fortunes. They’ve married money without class over the generations. Each side selling what they’ve got.
Sheesh.
Very true Tim.
Also the old adage “own Land, old boy, they’re not making any more of it.”
Never let facts get in the way of a good narrative, eh?
Writers for thr Graun and the Sunday Graun think in cartoons where working class is Fred Flintstone and upper class is Lord Snooty and therefore can only express themselves in cartoon language. No sophistication, thought or naunce is capable of appearing…
They never watched Downton then?
And yet every last one of the lefty scum would sell their grannies (and any scruples they might once have had) in return for a gong or better still a title.
My knowledge of the English class system is rather limited. About my only useful insight is my customary advice to the English urban working class: Get off your fucking knees.
Clogs to clogs in three generations.
Tiaras to tiaras in four.
The middle classes fell for the idea of romantic love. The aristos didn’t.
British class system as was, explained – and why it no longer exists, as classes have merged with increased social and economic mobility – except in history and the minds of losers and Socialists… well that’s tautological.
The Working Class rent their homes.
The Middle Class buy their homes.
The Upper Class inherit their homes.
@John B: what do you call those who don’t even pay rent for their homes, or at least pay a subsidised rent?
Possible answers include “trade union leaders”, “Deputy PM”, …
And the Invading Class live in hotels.
“The Upper Class inherit their homes.”
But where do they live while waiting for Pappy to pop his cloggs?
“The Upper Class inherit their homes.”
But where do they live while waiting for Pappy to pop his cloggs?
‘In the west wing darling.’