Britons Of The ’bos Still Prisoners Of Class... (Press, 2 September 1982)

Ken Coates reflects on the enduring significance of class in Britain after his return to New Zealand following a three-and-a-half-year tenure as London correspondent for "The Press." He notes that many New Zealanders thrive in Britain due to their relative freedom from class constraints, unlike the entrenched class system in Britain that often defines individuals by their background and speech. Kiwis can hold various jobs across the social spectrum without being constrained by societal expectations, whereas Britons are firmly categorized into distinct classes: the working class, lower middle class, middle middle class, and upper middle class. Coates describes the complexities of the British class system, highlighting the stigma around discussing class openly, especially among the middle classes, who quickly label others. He illustrates the different class behaviours, mentioning the preferences in language and environments between the lower middles and middle middles, with terms like "toilet" versus "lavatory." The article covers how class determines perceptions and opportunities in British society, where individuals may retain their class status irrespective of personal achievements, such as acquiring wealth or fame. The article further critiques the British education system's focus on elitism through public schools, which has historically hindered the advancement of industry and engendered a disdain for science and technical professions, contributing to Britain's current industrial decline. This failure to adapt is juxtaposed with other countries that embraced meritocratic systems, preparing for modern economic challenges. Coates also comments on the innate reluctance of the elite to engage in 'hands-on' industry and paints a picture of an evolving business landscape, where traits like integrity and competence are beginning to outweigh the traditional emphasis on social background for managerial roles. He reflects on the shift in worker attitudes post-industrial decline and the rise of disillusionment among the working class, while also noting the relative peace among class divisions, save for ethnic minorities. As he concludes, Coates expresses the hope that the emergence of a more classless society could provide the necessary impetus for Britain to tackle its pressing social and economic issues. However, he acknowledges that this classless element remains overwhelmingly sparse and that Britain’s rigid class structure continues to pose significant challenges to unity and progress.

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