The Class Ceiling

In the Radio 4 show with Polly Toynbee about the ‘Class Ceiling’ we listen to the effect of class and the possibility of breaking out of the class you’ve grown up in. She explains that class is still a big divider in this society. Despite the fact that, like in past generations there isn’t as much obvious differentiation, class is still present. We are urged to reflect on what advantages our class has provided us with and where we would be if we didn’t have it. Furthermore, she talks about the different factors which portray a certain class, for example, names, manners and even the clothes we wear. The most popular argument she used is the educational debate which reflects the values of a class with a person’s learning and future career. It is common knowledge that in previous generations only the wealthiest and most powerful went to university but now there is a greater chance of working class people attending. This highlights the ability of people to break free from the social class constricting them and change their class identity. Despite this, in this present day people in a lower social class still have a poor chance in achieving the grades to get a place in further education. Class is dictated in the early stages of an infant’s life and thereon becomes engrained into them. Toynbee states that a knowing parent will push harder for the best for their child, this stresses the impact in which a parent has in their child’s standing in society. The quality of parenting in early years like a parent reading, singing and simply talking to their children can significantly affect them compared to parents who don’t do this with their children. Toynbee concludes her show by referring to the greater number of people breaking out of the limitations of their social class and the positive effects this is having on their lives.