Class can be understood as the classification of society and its people into groups that are hierarchically related. It is mostly defined by socio-economic status or level of income, educational attainment, and social networks. Due to this, class frequently overlaps with geographic areas and occupations. In some societies, class determines social status and class mobility is impeded by vast inequality. For many, it is a difficult and emotionally charged topic to discuss openly.
Class is not one of the named protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010. This does not mean, however, that class discrimination does not happen.
For example, in the UK there is a distinction between upper, middle, working, and lower class. However, these labels may mean something entirely different in other countries, or entirely different labels may be used. The British "upper class" distinction has historically only included the aristocracy i.e., peerage, gentry, hereditary landowners. In contrast, the US would use class primarily defined by personal wealth and "upper class" would include anyone with a sufficiently high level of income to support an "upper class" lifestyle and education.
"Public school" in the UK is an exclusive educational tier that is associated with the upper and "middle" class. However, the American equivalent of a "public school" would be a private school and "public school" in the US would be a "state school". These examples illustrate the cultural dependence, understanding of class and the language we use to describe it.
Some examples of discrimination against class can include and not limited to are pejorative remarks on:
- The way someone speaks e.g., accent, pronunciation, vocabulary, sentence structure
- Where someone comes from (place of birth, developmental history) or lives (current address)
- Level of income or implied judgement of lifestyle based on socio-economic factors
The 93% Club Edinburgh is a society that is dedicated to promoting access and opportunity for socio-economically and educationally disadvantaged students at the University of Edinburgh.
Tackling Elitism is a group for University of Edinburgh students who are from a low-income background, first-generation students, working class, estranged, and/or care experienced, and who are driven to tackle persistent elitism.