by Nikki H.

Created on: March 24, 2007   Last Updated: April 30, 2007

Class distinctions are rooted in history, with perhaps the most influencial class distinctions of modern times being those of Karl Marx. He asserted that there were simply two classes, which today loosely transpose into the "working" class and the "upper" class. His assertion was that the Proletariat "upper" class were those that owned their own sources of capital, whereas the Bourgeoisie "working" class were those that owned no source of capital and, instead, used the capital of others to procure what they needed to survive.

Is this still in evidence today? Well, of course it is, but perhaps not strictly in the Marxist sense of Bourgeoisie and Proletariat. In the UK, the 'ruling' classes still own the majority of the wealth and the old adage of "you need money to make money" still readily applies, as it does in many other Western countries. Governments attempt to redress income inequality along Gini co-efficients through social benefits to those nearing or under the poverty line but this cannot alter class distinctions, and it is entirely subjective and not applied across the board.

Is it possible to move from one class to another, for example if a 'working class' individual won the lottery or reaped success in a business venture? Personally I don't believe so. International superstars such as David Beckham and Robbie Williams are still very much working class individuals despite their immense wealth. They may have altered their tastes and preferences in line with their change in income but this does not preclude a change in class: they are both still the working class boys from Northern England and, as many others do, will often proclaim their 'pride' in their working class heritage. In addition, Bourdieu's theory of class distinction supports this claim: each class will continue to distinguish itself from any other conceived class. Whilst Veblen asserts that there will be emulation of upper classes by lower classes, there is still a good deal of empirical evidence to support Bourdieu's class distinction in today's society (despite the Prada boot wearing Chav's mimicking their wealthier rivals!).

Furthermore, class distinctions are not only visible within countries but also between countries. The East/West divide is still very much alive and kicking, with the 'rich' West still dominating the 'poor' East despite massive increases in economic stability and growth in the East over the past 30+ years. Even though there are increases in personal and corporate wealth, as well as overall economic growth, within many Eastern countries they still hold the "lower class" heritage that will haunt them for many generations to come.

Whilst individuals maintain the "them and us" facade there will always be 'class distinctions' in society, but perhaps, with the Online Age, class will become less of a barrier to many individuals due to the anonymous nature of internet communications!

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