Social class - that enigmatic, all-encompassing, and life-altering term that - for better or worse - has been synonymous with the history of the United Kingdom for close to 1,000 years.
Indeed, the British class system holds particular global notoriety - with the notions of monarchy, landed gentry, and the working class continuing to define the contours of Britain's society to this very day.
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0:00 Introduction
2:06 1. William The Conquerer’s Guide To Social Class
4:34 2. The Black Plague Flips The Social Chess Board
6:57 3. Civil Wars and Social Orders
9:45 4. The Sun Will Never Set On The British Empire
12:35 5. The Rise of A Working Class
14:54 6. A Word About “Accents”
16:23 7. The 21st Century U.K. Social Structure
24:28 8. Immigration Into Britain
26:00 9. Conclusion
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We begin with a historical overview of British old money, tracing the lineage of aristocrats and discovering the persistence of noble roots that have shaped the nation's class landscape. As we journey through the British social class, we explore various facets, including the distinct accents that offer insights into one's class standing, with examples ranging from London's 'glottal stop' to the Received Pronunciation (RP) favored by upper-middle-class individuals.
Next, we delve into the 21st-century U.K. social structure, unraveling the layers from the Royals, Aristocracy, Upper-Middle Class to the Middle, Lower Middle, Working Classes, and the Underclass. Learn about King George V's name change to Windsor amid World War I, the charitable ethos of King Charles The Third, and the aristocracy's hold on 20% of the nation's land.
The dynamics of the upper-middle class's economic vitality and the growth of the lower-middle class spurred by industrialization are examined. We further discuss the working classes' evolution, from traditional industries like coal mining to their current engagement in various fields.
Immigration's profound impact on the United Kingdom is also highlighted. We touch upon the historical migration from Ireland and its cultural legacy, represented by figures like The Beatles, and the significant influx of immigrants from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, reshaping Britain's class structure.
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