A recent survey has found that more than a third of Britons believe they have changed social class, with upper-middle and upper-class individuals most likely to identify with more than one social category. The study, conducted by research firm Attest, also introduced the term 'polyclass' to describe the approximately 6 million Britons who identify with multiple classes simultaneously.
Key Findings on Class Change
Working-class individuals were the least likely to report a change in class or identify with multiple classes, with 70% stating they remain in the same social category they were born into. The survey of 2,000 people also revealed a deep sensitivity around class, with nearly half of respondents feeling judged for their class background. Most participants ranked social class above age, gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation in terms of how they believe others perceive them.
Expert Insights on Polyclass
Dominic Abrams, a professor of social psychology at the University of Kent, noted that the term 'polyclass' is useful in an era where class boundaries are increasingly blurred. Traditional classifications like ABC1 are no longer reliable indicators of beliefs or attitudes, and even class alignment with political parties is breaking down. Abrams emphasized that many people now feel they can move between classes if they have the resources.
Generational and Class Differences
The survey highlighted that millennials are particularly likely to report class change, with nearly half saying they have either become a different class or identify with multiple classes. Working-class people, however, are the least likely to have moved class. Abrams explained that working-class individuals often have more enduring cultural roots tied to place, which can be either a valuable asset or a burden if they feel judged.
Behavioral Adaptation and Wellbeing
Working-class people were more likely to change their behavior or speech to fit in with other social or professional groups, yet a significant third said they never felt the need to adapt. Separate research from the Sutton Trust found a 'happiness gap' between social classes, with working-class individuals who achieved good jobs never reaching the same wellbeing levels as their middle or upper-class peers. Those from working-class backgrounds were one-third more likely to experience low wellbeing than those from professional backgrounds.
Call for Broader Social Mobility
Nick Harrison, chief executive of the Sutton Trust, stated that social mobility 'hugely improves people's lives, but it doesn't always guarantee happiness.' He emphasized that wellbeing is shaped by more than just career success, including family, education, community, and work-life balance. Harrison called for tackling inequality in education, opening access to careers, and investing in communities to ensure that opportunities for a happy life are genuinely available to everyone.
