I agree with Richard Bridge concerning speech habits and class.

I read some statistics at one time that showed that the closer your speech was to 'standard English' the higher your income would be. I also know of an English couple who eventually amassed a small fortune and their accents changed at the same time!

Another aspect of class that has been well documented is that it is quite acceptable for a woman to marry 'up' but very unusual for a man to marry 'up'.

I remember walking the streets around Victoria Station at about 5:00 A.M. and being astounded by the class differences I witnessed. There were the 'street rats' and the wealthy in their limosines. There was absolutely nothing in between. What a contrast!