Working Class
As I age, I feel I am more engaged with politics than I was before. Maybe it’s more time on my hands and struggling health, not sure. But either way, something I am picking up, is how many seem to be using the term working class for various reasons. Just to be clear from the outset, I am not knocking aspiration at all, it’s what we all want, a better life. But are people that say they are working class, really working class? With posts about working class on X, as well as the Labour conference coming up. Is the term being used by so many now, simply for their career?
Family History
We can all trace our families back to working class jobs our parents and Grandparents did. Unless you have also worked in those working-class jobs with no other choice, are you really working class? Has it become another buzzword many are throwing around to try and give a sense of being in touch? Same way poverty is used by so many, when many have never faced it, homelessness as well.
Where is the Balance?
I know that as a social tenant myself, as well as the many jobs I have had, working in retail, warehousing and labouring. My body is literally breaking down because of those jobs I did, alongside the strong medication I take for my transplant. Those jobs are because of circumstance and not by choice. I had to go a different route, because I missed so much school, as well as bad choices I have made along the way. Whilst I accept its early days and the government has much work to do. It’s vital there is balance in debate, or the risk is many become even more out of touch. The working class in those working-class jobs, asking the question, who is representing us? If they are not represented by Labour, they will simply go and join other parties, who pretend to stand for the working class.
The Wider Debate
Unless you are in a working-class job or have had many of those jobs and gone onto better things. Are you really working class, or simply using it for your career? I feel those that do use it, are disrespecting those that work their backsides off each month in those working-class jobs. It’s great that many go onto do well in life, but all jobs still need doing, are Labour ignoring manual workers? Also, those within those jobs are an important part of the fabric of society, yet where are they in political debate? Where are they on political programming or podcasts? I feel many within Labour use the term now and are fast becoming out of touch with the working class, which will drive people to other parties if they are not careful.
Lived Experience
Surely, now is the time for Labour and the new government to embrace the wonderful balance we have in our society. Lived experience, alongside those academics and decision makers. Where are the working class on new advisory panels? So, society and decision makers can work together and fix the problems in our country. Whilst I will wait until the budget and said any new government needs at least 6 months and a budget. As someone working class and living in social housing. Who do Labour represent? Of course we have aspiration, like anyone else. But it’s also ok to work another way, to work and live in fair rent social housing. I feel Labour would be wise to take that onboard.