A Voice for the Voiceless

Needless to say, we live in a society riddled with self-serving opportunists who outcast certain groups for their political gain and to the detriment of the working class. The shark-infested waters that politics has become seeks out the weak and devours their hope. Following on from the 2016 referendum which witnessed the public inexplicably lied to and hoodwinked into believing that a better Britain was an independent Britain, the low SES group have seemingly had their heart ripped out of them, particularly the 18-34 manual/unemployed which saw a lowly 35% voter turnout in the 2017 General Election (Ipsos Mori 2017). As democratic institutions lose responsiveness and legitimacy to the aforementioned socioeconomic group due to their lack of engagement, higher socioeconomic groups profit as their vote, in many ways, becomes a national consensus. The question that needs addressing is how do we give a voice to the voiceless?

Fig.1. Significant decline among lower social class groups in GE 2017 from 2016 referendum (Ipsos Mori 2017)

Easy.

I get that we are prisoners of our reality and being 21 years old, some might consider the ship to have sailed in terms of encouraging political engagement for my age and socioeconomic demographic, however, the next generation of low SES can reap the rewards of engaging in politics through education and having the voice I never had. Having previously lived an estate and attended a low socioeconomic status school, the access to learning and exploring the political landscape was minimal at best; often PSCHE/ political classes were filler and an environment to complete homework of other classes.

This must change.

Is it too much to ask for schools to empower their students of low SES? Through the participatory process and giving students positions with a modicum of political value such as school councils as well as citizenship classes with specific learning outcomes, it encourages them to become politically engaged and consequently have a voice. Research by Professor Bryony Hoskins found that in over 6000 students, there were no significant differences in their access to citizenship classes by socioeconomic background, however their voluntary participation saw alarming differences as those from poor social backgrounds are found unwilling to volunteer in political activities (George 2018). Again, we must empower those who feel powerless, and this starts from the bottom up. Tackling this issue in schools will have a baring on higher education whereby the number of students who attend Russell Groups continue to dwindle as only 5 % of English teenagers who took A-levels or equivalent qualifications in 2012-13 and were eligible for free school meals were admitted to Russell Group universities the following year, which incidentally has increased to only 3% of students going to Russell Group (Havergal 2015). This slide in admittance into top unis becomes reflective of the political sphere, an evermore exclusive to those of a high SES and further fuel diplomatic democracy; whereby politicians turn out to be the most educated from the best universities and those who vote are the most educated and wealthy. Consequently, you have a large demographic that feels isolated and left out of politics.

Oh the irony of Theresa May. Having declared to fight the ‘burning injustices’ in British society and to prioritise the working class who were ‘just about managing’ a year prior to the 2017 General Election (George 2018), enter the mismanagement of Grenfell. In the face (or across the street) of Grenfell, lay the upper social class whereby in some parts of the borough, average income can ‘drop ten times as you cross the street’ (Guardian 2017). If any good came from this tragic circumstance is the finger being directed at the Tory government. A web of  social inequalities continues to unravel which ultimately leading the 18-34 low SES voicing their opinions on social media, showing images of the tragic event two years removed and reminding politicians that they have a voice and will continue to preach the social injustice they experience.

They use the people when they want to rise, as we treat a spirited horse when we want to mount him; – for a time we pat the animal upon the neck, and speak him softly; but once in the saddle, then come the whip and spur. – Christian Nestell Bovee – New York Writer

 

Fig.3. YouGov (2017) poll on what Brits think of the social classes. Working class have the nicest people.

For what the data tells us, it is pretty laughable what is exacted in society. Although the working class contribute most to society they are also overwhelmingly treated the worst by government. One might think “well why don’t they do something about it?” Reality is, once you have been politically repressed for a sustained period,  disillusion is inevitable. A quick dive into recent history shows this as 18-34 low SES group saw an encouraging voter turnout of 57% during the 2016 Referendum (6% increase from the 2015 GE) ultimately suffer a 4% fall for the 2017 (Ipsos Mori 2017).

They use the people when they want to rise, as we treat a spirited horse when we want to mount him – for a time we pat the animal upon the neck, and speak him softly; but once in the saddle, then come the whip and spur. – Christian Nestell Bovee.

In the face of Bovee’s damning statement, the mistreatment of the government will not resign our fate. In fact, the voiceless will become the ‘voiceful‘.

 

 

Bibliography

George, M (2018) Call for debates to be compulsory for all secondary pupils. Available at: https://www.tes.com/news/call-debates-be-compulsory-all-secondary-pupils

Grenfell Speaks (2018) On the ground at Grenfell. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3S_5ttJAOwHavergal, C (2015) Russell Group access: poorest fall further behind. Available at: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/russell-group-access-poorest-fall-further-behind (Accessed 05/03/2019)

Ipsos Mori (2017) How Britain Voted in the 2017 Election. Available at: https://www.ipsos.com/ipsos-mori/en-uk/how-britain-voted-2017-election

The Guardian (2017) Grenfell Tower MP highlights huge social divisions in London. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/inequality/2017/nov/13/grenfell-tower-mp-highlights-huge-social-divisions-in-london (Accessed 05/03/2019)

Notable Quotes (2006) Christian Nestell Bovee Quotes VI. Available at: http://notable-quotes.com/b/bovee_christian_nestell_vi.html

YouGov (2017) What do Brits think of social classes? Available at: https://yougov.co.uk/topics/lifestyle/articles-reports/2017/09/26/what-do-brits-think-social-classes

2,733 thoughts on “A Voice for the Voiceless”

  2. I do not know if it’s just me or if perhaps everybody else experiencing issues with your website.
    It appears as if some of the text within your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if
    this is happening to them as well? This may be a problem with my browser because I’ve had this happen previously.
    Thank you

    my page: คริปโต

    Reply

  5. Just want to say your article is as astounding. The clarity in your post is simply excellent
    and i could assume you are an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to grab
    your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the rewarding work.

    Also visit my webpage … تعمیر سپر خودرو تهران

    Reply

  6. І get pleasure from, ϲause I discovered exactly what I used to bｅ having a ⅼook
    for. You’ve ended my 4 day lengthy hunt! God Bless you
    man. Have a ɡreat dаy. Byе

    Feel free to surf to my blog; laundry bags

    Reply

  7. І’ll right awaу grasp your rss as I can’t in finding your email subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service.
    Do you’ve any? Κindly alⅼow me understand in order that І
    may subscribe. Thanks.

    Feel free tⲟ surf to my page top uniform company

    Reply

  11. I’m really enjoying the theme/design of your blog.
    Do you ever run into any browser compatibility problems?
    A handful of my blog audience have complained about my blog not operating correctly in Explorer
    but looks great in Firefox. Do you have any solutions to help
    fix this problem?

    Here is my website :: keluaran hk pools

    Reply

  12. Heya aｒe using WordPress for your site platfoгm?
    I’m new to the blog ᴡorld but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you
    need any html coding expertisе to make your own blog?
    Any hｅlp would be really apⲣreciɑted!

    Here is my web site – uniforms

    Reply

  23. I wanted to thank you for thiks fantastic read!! I absolutely loved
    every little bit of it. I hafe youu book marked to look at new stuff
    you post…

    my page :: Callie

    Reply

  25. A private Instagram viewer is a tool or assistance designed
    to permit users to view private Instagram accounts without needing to follow the
    account or acquire approval from the account owner. Typically, these listeners claim to bypass privacy settings and provide permission to posts, stories,
    and further content that would otherwise be restricted to followers.
    even though some people may use these tools out of curiosity or for social media analysis, its important to note that
    using such facilities raises all-powerful ethical and valid concerns.
    Most of these viewers take effect in a gray area, often violating Instagram’s terms of
    assist and potentially putting users’ privacy
    and data at risk. In addition, many of these tools require users to firm
    surveys or present personal information, which can lead to scams,
    phishing attempts, or malware infections.
    Instagram has strict policies against unauthorized access
    to accounts and may understand legal sham adjoining both users and facilities working in breaching privacy.
    on the other hand of relying upon private Instagram viewers, it’s advisable to adulation users’ privacy settings and
    follow accounts in a true manner. If someone has made their account private, its generally a sign that they hope
    to limit right of entry to their content, and these boundaries should be
    respected.

    Feel free to visit my blog … sqirk

    Reply

  26. I really like what you guys are up too. This sort of clever work
    and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve included
    you guys to blogroll.

    Also visit my web-site: ini unik

    Reply

  30. Howdy would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using?
    I’m looking to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having
    a tough time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
    The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and
    I’m looking for something unique. P.S Apologies for getting off-topic
    but I had to ask!

    My web-site – free link

    Reply

  34. Tailored for driving schools, local associations and ADI groups to provide support, advice and protection for drivers,
    along with our incredible membership benefits and events.

    my blog post; driving lessons mallow

    Reply

  35. I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme.
    Did you create this website yourself or did you hire
    someone to do it for you? Plz respond as I’m looking to design my own blog and would like to know where u got this from.
    thank you Please Review my website Rajatoto88

    Feel free to surf to my site :: Situs Togel bet 100 Perak

    Reply

  37. I was curious if you ever considered changing the structure of your site?
    Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
    But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better.
    Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or 2 pictures.
    Maybe you could space it out better?

    My homepage sex trẻ em

    Reply

  40. Howdy! I understand this is somewhat off-topic but I needed
    to ask. Does running a well-established website such as yours take a large amount of work?

    I’m brand new to writing a blog but I do write in my diary daily.
    I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share my own experience
    and views online. Please let me know if you have any suggestions or tips for brand new aspiring blog owners.
    Thankyou!

    Also visit my blog; H678KJLOP

    Reply

  41. Hey great website! Does running a blog like this take
    a great deal of work? I have no understanding of programming however I was
    hoping to start my own blog in the near future.
    Anyways, should you have any recommendations or tips
    for new blog owners please share. I understand this is off subject however I just wanted to ask.
    Cheers!

    my website: https://johnnycashpoint.com

    Reply

  42. Hi there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting
    a new project in a community in the same niche.

    Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a marvellous
    job!

    Look into my web site :: sex việt nam gái xinh múp nõn

    Reply

  45. Greate post. Keep posting such kind of info on your blog.

    Im really impressed by your blog.
    Hi there, You’ve performed an incredible job. I’ll certainly digg it and personally recommend
    to my friends. I’m sure they will be benefited
    from this site.

    My web page – sex chịch nhau không che

    Reply

  46. Buy A Real Driving Licence UK Tips To Relax Your Daily Lifethe One
    Buy A Real Driving Licence UK Technique Every Person Needs To Know buy
    a real driving licence Uk (grandtheftmc.net)

    Reply

  49. Learning to drive is an investment in your future—make sure you choose the best training!

    Learning to drive in Brisbane is an exciting journey, and
    having a skilled instructor makes all the difference!
    Choosing a reputable driving school is crucial—our instructors are highly experienced and qualified.

    Also visit my webpage Driving Schools Brisbane

    Reply

  50. I’m really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout
    on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself?
    Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see a nice blog like this one today.

    my website: Rybelsus oder Ozempic

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Landon Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *