Sunday 8 February 2015

Sunday Mornings: Coffee, Reflections and Music

I was recently having dinner with friends and relatives at home when the topic of class arose. One of the guests insisted on putting me in the category “middle-class”. When I asked her why she couldn’t give me a straight answer which left me pondering about the way some of us see ourselves in relation to how others see us.

I have always considered myself to be working class regardless of my profession. Although I have never done the sort of job that belongs in blue-collar worker territory, I was brought up with an ethic that had more in common with the working class than with the middle-class.

Remnants of a class system are still part of Cuban life. True, they are not as conspicuous as they are in other countries, but they do exist. They manifest themselves differently and yet they still retain features that non-Cuban readers will easily recognise as elements they come across in their own backyards. Amongst these traits is the very definition of “middle-class”.

It was not until I moved to the UK that I began to think seriously about class. Not so much in terms of which class I belonged to but more in terms of how much in-your-face the class system was in this country, whilst at the same time managing to stay hidden. You could say that in Britain the class system is hidden in plain view. The person who labelled me “middle-class” was middle-class herself. Whereas in order to arrive at her conclusion she must have factored in my job, income and aspirations, I, on the other hand, had a different idea about the group that most resembled my social standing.

Let me be clear about one thing: I am not embarrassed about being called “middle-class”. I do not think anyone should be either. As you know I do not do faux self-deprecation. I just do not think that I have that status. For starters, I do not possess many of the traits commonly associated with the middle-class. I do not own the house in which I live (it’s unlikely I will ever be able to afford a mortgage, let alone buy a house). Secondly, I come from a humble background as I mentioned before in which hard work was always encouraged. As my mother used to tell me: “Even if you decide to be a road-sweeper, be the best road-sweeper ever!” I must admit, though, that my father did have lofty aspirations for me. He wanted me to read law but I have always believed that that idea owed more to his own shortcomings (he always wanted to be a lawyer himself and at some point signed up to the equivalent of Open University in Havana to read law) than to whatever academic prowess he imagined I had. The final reason is that whenever someone attempts to “upgrade” your status, it says more about the person doing it and their prejudices than about your actual social rank.

There is a fourth reason. Although the woman who called me “middle-class” was vague about the reasons to label me so, I suspect she had the following elements in mind: most of my jobs in the UK so far have been of the white-collar variety, my wife and I have created a stable home (which we still do not own, as I stated before) and brought two children up who are very well-mannered, intelligent and creative. We do own a car, not an old banger, but not an Audi, either. Furthermore, since they were little our offspring have always been encouraged to think independently. What little money we have had we always made sure that some of it went towards paying for music lessons, swimming classes and trips to places we thought would enhance our children’s understanding of the world.  My wife’s job as a teacher is another reason for the “middle-class” categorisation; ours is what you could call a professional household. Our combined income hovers just over the average income in the UK (not London, however). We are both articulate and should you, fellow reader or blogger, happen to ever visit our domicile you will see copies of The Guardian, The Observer, The New Statesman, The New Yorker, The Economist, The London Review of Books and Prospect on our coffee table in addition to several books dotted around the house. So, yes, we read a lot and we read publications that make us think. Last but not least, we try to go abroad at least once every couple of years. Again, part of this decision is rooted in our belief that broadening up our children's geographical and cultural horizons is part of their development as functionally active and useful citizens.

Typical middle-class family: coming to a Poundland near you
Is that enough to be classified middle-class?

Tricky question and a no less tricky answer. If I answer yes, I would almost unintentionally cast the working class in the opposite role. Yet, I know from my own and other people’s experience that this is not the case. Income does have an influential part, no doubt about that. If parents of children from humble backgrounds haven't got the dosh to cough up for music lessons or swimming classes, their children will be at a disadvantage in relation to their better-off peers. At this point I need to come clear about something: my children learnt how to swim when Labour was still in power. The local swimming pool was free for under-12s. The coalition ended that. So, perhaps the drive to get children to try something new is also there in the working class household but the money is not. The other reason why I struggle with this unsolicited “middle-class” definition fostered upon me is that it creates an unfair division in which on one side you have the cleverer, aspiration-focused, hard-working middle-class and on the other one you have the (nowadays) feckless, tabloid-reading, football-loving, dumb working class.

It is unfair to think this way, especially in our current times when the formerly ubiquitous class
system has muddle up somewhat. One outcome from the 2008 economic crisis was that it suddenly sent both hard-up families and hitherto well-off ones to the same Poundland shop or Lidl supermarket that the former was already used to frequenting. The second tier up that the middle-class stood for has evanesced. What we have now is a disenfranchised working class, a middle-class that still insists on keeping up appearances despite the fact that many of them had to sell off and move out of London or similar urban centres and an upper class that has hardly been affected by the economic downturn. Where before the aspiration void was filled up by the middle-class, now there is almost nothing. Or rather, there is, but you will have to take part in that “reality TV” show in order to get there.

My point is still the same. I do not care what my income is, or what it will be in the future. House ownership is a topic my wife and I have discussed but which we feel is too out of our reach for the foreseeable future. Being articulate, in print or verbally, is not a byword for class status. There are plenty of working-class people who express themselves in a nice, clear way. When my wife and I talk about our aspirations for our children we do not mention higher education, but satisfaction in life, contentment. “If you want to be a road-sweeper, be the best road-sweeper ever!” Yup, I have taken up my mother’s mantra. Reason enough to carry on calling myself working class.



© 2015

Next Post: “Killer Opening Songs”, to be published on Wednesday 11th February at 11:59pm (GMT)

43 comments:

  1. In my own faux self-deprecation way, some might say I am of "no-class." Seriously, a very good essay. I find it amazing that in the US, almost everyone from many of those in the 1% that we've heard so much about to those struggling to buy bread label themselves as "middle-class." We need more people like you exploring this topic.

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    1. On the same facetious note, I would also call myself "no-class". :-) Quite like that term, I might nick it from you.

      Greetings from London.

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  2. “If you want to be a road-sweeper, be the best road-sweeper ever!”... i love that... your mom is a wise woman... i too don't care much about classes... it puts people into drawers and that's the last thing i want to do... better do what you really love to do the best possible way.... i wish there were no barriers and kids could get a good education if they want. in germany with the universities being almost free of charge there is a possibility to go there even for kids from poor people - they have to get a certain mark average during their school time though - but so have the rich kids - fact is that even a rich kid cannot go to university if they do not reach the requested marks - for me that is justice

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    1. You hit on a very delicate issue here, Claudia. Should uni be free for all? I think they should but I also think there ought to be a payback of some sorts. In Cuba we had a very good idea until it went wrong, like many other things. Social service for university graduates which meant being sent to places where your skills were needed. It worked until people started playing up the system, mainly the sons and daughters of the big shots in government. But as an idea, I would recommend. It would also curb unemployment.

      Greetings from London.

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  3. Hey Cubano, a very interesting essay-- I probably do not make as big of a distinction between working class and middle class in my mind but that I think is probably just. That I haven't thought about it much. One thing that has happened is that any distinction might not be as based upon economic level as it used to be so much as trade in that some "working class" folks with their own businesses could be very successful and some "middle class" people could be nearly destitute. At least I think economic divisions are different now. I do understand your points however and your bristling-- only I tend to think there can be a pretty strong work ethic in both middle and working class! Or not! One thing is sure-- there are so very many people work t really terribly hard with insufficient rewards and these would probably be labeled working class-- people who work two or three jobs for years! And may not have your education level or mine but are still ambitious for their children's education and contentment. And are so criticized and overlooked! Drives me crazy. Thanks. K. Manicddaily

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    1. I think some of us, especially those from humble backgrounds, don't make that distinction consciously. However, I would say that the class system is always on the back of one's mind. I agree with you on the work ethic. I didn't feel comfortable writing that, but I think it's the reality, or our reality somewhat. The perception of one class as more hard-working than another one. Thanks fo ryour comment.

      Greetings from London.

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  4. A perceptive piece of writing. Class seems to be so important in the UK - I hardly ever think about it here in Sweden.

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    1. Sweden, Denmark and other Scandinavian nations tend to be more egalitarian so I would hope that the class system is not as visible as here in the UK.

      Greetings from London.

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  5. i think we all have to find our way...and as you say there in the end...we have to find our passion -- and be willing to chase it...and we will be happy...and we will be paid enough....classes refer to rigidity to me...and we are only in the boxes we create for ourselves and what we are willing to believe about ourselves....

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    1. The class system remains rigid if the means to change (education, employment, living wages, equality and the like) are not utilised properly. That's my humble opinion.

      Greetings from London.

      Delete
  6. Classes do stick everyone in a drawer or box, do away with that crap indeed. And I agree, doesn't matter what you do as long as you enjoy it and can live off of it, go for it. A lot of university is a money suck and a crock now a days anyway.

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    1. And you're not even guaranteed employment when you finish your degree! :-) How's that for a rip-off? Nine grand in debt (at least here in the UK) and no dosh in your bank account.

      Greetings from London.

      Delete
  7. I've never really thought of people in terms of class.. of actually classifying individuals like that but if pressed to, say that middle-class is the vast majority... those who are not struggling with poverty and who are not exceedingly wealthy. I guess I see middle class in terms of general comfort.. but there's a wide range, I suppose.

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    1. Comfort is definitely up there with the rest, you're right.

      Greetings from London.

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  8. Excellent post, Cuban. You certainly make people think. I always thought middle class was decided by financial/profession but having got that in perspective I no longer worry about it. I have no idea where I am in the scheme of things, but I do enjoy being here.

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    1. Same here, I thought that finances played a role, as well as income and profession but that is no longer the case, it seems.

      Greetings from London.

      Delete
  9. In America even the very rich pretend to be middle class. Being middle class is an earned title here: meaning you worked hard without help. Until forced bussing our schools served only neighborhood children, so your neighborhood determined how well you were educated. Rich places offered more courses and better preparation for college. You can assume the rest. Only with government intervention schools were forced to integrate both their staff and their populations. States leveled school finances so every one received same amounts per enrollment and the most poor schools received extra dollars to expend opportunities. This is our history. Without it, our middle class would not have grown and our young people would never have met anyone else who didn't look like them.

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    1. Thanks for that fascinating piece of information. Love learning about other countries and how the class system works.

      Greetings from London.

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  10. Class is another label. And another label that I am not comfortable with as a description of the complexity that is a person. It does exist here, but isn't as overt as in the UK. And is perhaps more dangerous because of its hidden nature. More dangerous because it is rarely challenged.
    Thank you for another thought provoking post.

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    1. Thanks for your insight. Much appreciated.

      Greetings from London.

      Delete
  11. I think back in the day, being called "middle class" meant something. Nowadays, it's mostly a phrase bandied about by politicians who want to show everyone that they're doing something for a class of people who no longer exist.

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    1. Back in the day the classes were more defined, they tell me here. It seems that Thatcher started the movement of encouraging the working class to become middle-class through the acquisition of property and the buy-to-let system. This, coupled with free market ideology, created more free-flowing currency, however, as we have lately found out, it was all plastic money, not even worth the paper it was - never - printed on. Which is why now we have a former middle-class shopping in the 99p stores. Fascinating for an outsider! :-)

      Greetings from London.

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  12. Thankfully no labels where I stay!

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  13. Oh how I hate labels! Economists and sociologists use them to categorise us, put us in boxes that enables them to predict our preferences and behaviour. But people are people.

    What troubles me most about the construct of 'middle class' is the implication of status. I have no problem with aspirations as long as they don't come with the expectation that achievements make anyone 'better' than his or her neighbours. Most of us make the best of the lives that are thrown at us, and need respect for that alone.

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    1. Jo, status was probably the reason why that person called me "middle-class". She thought she was "upgrading" me. For some reason I still feel uncomfortable about that conversation! :-)

      Greetings from London.

      Delete
  14. "A working class hero is something to be", en la voz de Pedro Ross Leal, pañoleta roja al cuello... :)

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    1. I was listening to it yesterday, would you believe it? The original by John Lennon, on my regular run. :-)

      Greetings from London.

      Delete
  15. Oh these labels!!
    Really sets you thinking, doesn't it?
    There are so many levels of grey in between the so-called "upper class" and the "working class" that lack any clear definition.
    I have absolutely no idea where I fall...or more correctly, how others would label me:
    My husband and I own our own home (mortgage free); neither of us is conventionally employed, but we live on private incomes; our son was privately educated at home...but...we regularly shop in Poundland and Lidl (actually, the latter is one of my favourite foodstores...their chocolate, for instance, is out of this world!:)); we never holiday abroad (currently don't even possess passports), but do holiday in GB around 24 times a year; we certainly aren't what I would describe as "cash rich" - in fact, reading an article in the "Times" a while back, I was shocked to discover that, according to government averages, we are currently living below the poverty line!
    Yes, I believe we fall somewhere in the "grey"...*smiles*

    Have a great day!:)

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    1. Yes, I know what you mean about "grey". Most of the time that's how I feel, especially as we come close to payday and I'm almost skint! :-)

      Greetings from London.

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  16. Hello, greetings and good wishes.

    This is a very interesting post. Middle class is one that suffers a lot because they can be neither working class or upper class but put up a lot of pretensions to show that we are well off. Moat of the taxes are to be paid by the middle class although paying taxes means cutting down on something else. I think middle class is always a tensed class because they have to worry about finding money to meet their different needs.

    It was interesting to note the various magazines you read. Excellent. You must be upto date in your knowledge of many things.

    In India, we have another class system also apart from the ones you have mentioned.
    Brahmins, Kshatriayas, Vaisnavas and Sudras. The first one refers to the priests, the second one refers to the kings and the ruling class, the third one business people and the fourth one to the people who do menial jobs and laborers.

    Excellent post. I enjoyed reading this.

    Best wishes

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    1. Thanks for your input, Joseph. I was aware of the caste system. As an outsider, I see it as unfair, however, I am also aware that some Indians (not all belonging to the upper castes) want to keep it. Any thoughts on that?

      Greetings from London.

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    2. The caste system is very strong in in villages. If a girl belonging to the upper class fall in love or elopes with a person of lower caste, she will be killed and it is called HONOR KILLING.

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  17. You've presented a lot of things to think about. Class systems often cause people to feel superior or inferior to others. Everyone who works should be considered industrious workers - no class.

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  18. You've presented a lot of things to think about. Class systems often cause people to feel superior or inferior to others. Everyone who works should be considered industrious workers - no class.

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    1. I love that expression, "industrious class". Thanks.

      Greetings from London.

      Delete
  19. Wise words from your mother about being the best road sweeper if that is what you decide to be.
    I never think about classes ... all I know that that my husband and I have always worked hard for all we have and I am very grateful for everything we have.
    As always, a good post from you ...thank you!

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  20. Elton John is always a great choise :)

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  21. A very interesting essay... I don't like labels in general, but, at the same time a label like "middle-class" will not hurt us. There are others that could...
    I love what your mother used to say to you. :-)

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  22. Just a quick note, CiL. To me, upper, middle and lower class (or whatever) has always referred to income levels, not to particular work or jobs or professions. I know a man who owns a junk yard and who nets more than a million dollars a year. I know a university professor who, at his present level of income, would take fifteen years to make a million. I know a number of people who are blue collar workers in oil fields who run well over one-hundred thousand dollars a year, have never had clean finger nails and could not pass a seventh grade grammar test. Class is cash, in the United States. I could keep this list going indefinitely. Plus, I might add, there is "old money" and "new money."

    Most of the class differences in the world originate in the realm of definitions, interpretations, communications, opinions, semantics -- what words mean what to which individuals. That is why the masses stormed the Bastille, why Karl Marx was believed by anyone, why Barack Obama was elected president of the U.S.

    As for me, myself and I, I have considered myself a work professional no matter what my manner of employment has been, and stood straight and tall no matter how rich or how famous or how powerful the person was to whom I was standing next to in an office or in a bar or in a church .... but, my class status at any given time, to me, has been based on my income (no old money). And, as you might guess, I prefer to please myself rather than please others ....

    Greetings, from beyond the sunset .... from the Ȟe Sápa ....

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  23. Worth reading. Wonder myself about the technicalities when you jump from one social framework (Continental Europe) to the Islands and have to deal all those new tags and labels.
    Besides, class and intelligence are matters that nobody (almost) will told you are an "underclass". Not in your face.
    No, articulated or not people, almost everyone restrain from such an statement.

    In Cuba, there was such a orwellian reality that we can comfortably think on "indigentes", "dirigentes" and "diplogentes" Not sure about a good translation for this oldie

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  24. I think it's admirable to take pride in your working class roots. I'm pleased, but not surprised, that you passed your hard work ethic, good manners and intellectual curiosity onto your kids. One thing I found strange while living in England was how aware people were of class differences, especially in accent. I was surprised to hear the term "so middle class" as an insult. In the US the accents tend to be more regional, although these days the class divide in terms of wealth is growing. Education can make all the difference.

    I've been thinking a lot about class while working on my YA novel. In Maine many working class families depend on wealthy summer people and middle class tourists. From the people I know here, there is a lot to admire in the work ethic. Cheers to the snow removers! As for street sweeping, that was my son's job last summer. He proudly kept our town clean so that he'd have money for college. One day he may be a professor like his dad, but I'm pleased that he's learned how hard his neighbors work for a living.

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  25. I can totally understand how you feel, Cubano. The class system is not very helpful for anyone except those at the top of it. It's an unfair organization of categorizing and labeling people and I don't agree with it all. The U.S. isn't supposed to have a class system but we do and it's based on money and material possessions. I've never focused on either, which puts me as odds with a lot of Americans but I think the recession has opened many people's eyes about what is really important. And it's not social status and wealth.

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  26. When my daughter was little, she wanted to be a waitress. That would have been fine with my husband and me. We just wanted her to be happy regardless of material or class success. I like that you have that attitude with your childre.
    You've written a very interesting, personal and thought provoking essay.

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