When did the disintegration of the working class commence?

Question

It occurs to me the idea of the hard working, polishing your doorstep, salt of the earth working class has all but disappeared. Years ago we could make a Sunday lunch last a week with various receipes, now we couldn't cook a fairy cake if our life depended on it. When did the working class disintegrate into a chav underclass? On a programme tonight they couldn't even recognise Fergie. I mean the working class would normally hate royalty or adore the anachronsim - either way you would recognise her.

Answer 1

Over the last 30 years as a result of the liberalisation and lefty policies with the final nail put in by thatcher and her selling off of their traditional abodes. We're all middle class now.

Answer 2

I think you should distinguish the working class from the underclass mate. The welfare state, though designed with all good heart to prevent those who've become disadvantaged from falling through the net completely, has actually created a dependent class, with generations of people now who only understand dependency and expect to be supported rather than self-support. The real working class are still there though - the clue is in the name! They work, they pay their way, they take as much pride as ever in what they do and what they achieve though the industries they work in may be more disparate or more service-oriented than in the past. They are probably a little more affluent than in the past too with these economic good times, and all the adults in the house are probably working with no mum at home to polish the step lol, but they are there! Hx

Answer 3

The Day free school dinners and milk stopped...

Answer 4

Disintegration no, fragmentation yes.  There is still a very large working class, they've just been fooled into thinking that they are better than those below them.  They have been fooled into supporting political parties that will never represent them.  They have been fooled into believing that material possessions are to be sought at all costs, as a representation of superiority.  During Thatcher's reign, there was a great deal of misery suffered by a great many people, with much social conflict, while the mass media told us that we'd never had it so good.  Now, there is much less hardship, much more social cohesion and the mass media tells us that the country is dying.  I believe that the only people who can possibly be enduring financial hardship now are those that seek to 'keep up' with others, seek to be 'entertained' through all the mechanisms, electrical or mechanical.  If you can't afford satellite TV then don't have it!  If you can't afford a daily paper then don't get one.  Life is actually far better when you start to think for yourself.

Answer 5

They've never seen a black eyed peas vid? wow.