Class Reigns Supreme in Britain

Britain’s Labour Party says a classless society can be a reality in England, but after 10 years in power, their country still feels deeply divided by class. According to a Guardian survey, 89% of Britons felt they were judged by their class, with almost half saying it counted for “a lot.” The majority considered themselves working class.

Only 2% of people identified themselves as upper class, compared to 53% for working class and 41% for middle. Geographical division reigned here, with the north being more heavily working class and the southeast boasting a larger middle class. Because these attitudes have survived economic change, the study concludes, many of the feelings may derive from background rather than salary. (More Britain stories.)