Don't economists thesedays use terms like C and D instead of the class terms we use coloquially? No wonder!

Traditional class labels should really be explained by the user so we know where we have common ground. Trouble is you're into writing a college essay before you make your point. Doesn't the lower-middle/upper-middle and the "somewhere-in-the-middle-middle class" example from a US contributor highlight the necessity?

As I remember, one of best the academic definitions sees those who have to sell their Labour as working class; those who live off that Labour are the exploiting class. Grey areas arise not least because since the early days of capitalism when things were simple, working class people have been encouraged/forced to own shares as well as being wage slaves, so have two hats to wear - just like the Listener who is a Singer in the folk club!

But I suggest that they are indeed utilising two hats (which hat is biggest? worn most? if you want to put someone on one side or other or the fence..... headaches!) rather than there being no such thing as hats - as some want us to believe.

However - point taken when you're a group of people in a folk club enjoying the music. I heard contributions last folk club from active members of four different (British) political parties.

Lots of other interesting point in this thread - will take a further look shortly.


Ian Fyvie