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

1,913 thoughts on “A Voice for the Voiceless”

  2. That is a great tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere.
    Brief but very precise information… Appreciate your sharing this one.
    A must read article!

    Also visit my website: Spiwin77

    Reply

  5. I don’t know if it’s just me or if everybody else experiencing issues
    with your site. It appears like some of the written text on your content
    are running off the screen. Can somebody else please
    comment and let me know if this is happening to them too?

    This might be a problem with my internet browser because
    I’ve had this happen previously. Many thanks

    My web-site … Spinwin77 Link Alternatif

    Reply

  8. Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles?
    I mean, what you say is fundamental and everything. However think about if you added some great graphics
    or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with
    pics and video clips, this site could certainly be one of the greatest in its
    niche. Great blog!

    Also visit my web page – Spinwin77 Slot

    Reply

  28. hi!,I really like your writing so much! percentage we be in contact extra approximately your post on AOL?
    I need a specialist in this area to unravel my problem.
    May be that is you! Looking ahead to peer you.

    Also visit my site; Spinwin77 Link Alternatif

    Reply

  29. Greetings from Colorado! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to browse your site on my iphone during
    lunch break. I love the info you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
    I’m surprised at how fast your blog loaded on my cell phone ..
    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, superb blog!

    my web page: บาคาร่า168

    Reply

  39. LMCHING, a leader in luxury charm ecommerce, continues to press the
    boundaries of what is feasible with its most recent
    platform improvements.

    By supplying ingenious devices and ensuring around the
    world accessibility, LMCHING adjustments the method customers experience high-end brands like LA Mer
    and La Prairie.

    Through its dedication to high requirements, LMCHING redefines on-line purchasing elegance enthusiasts anywhere.

    The system’s recent improvements are developed to give consumers
    with a customized and interactive buying trip.

    These updates, including AI-powered suggestions and digital appointments,
    make it possible for users to go shopping with confidence and check out products totally.

    With cutting-edge tech, LMCHING enables users to gain access to skin care choices created for their
    details demands without leaving home.

    The system introduces real-time communication functions,
    equipping customers to seek skilled suggestions and customized assistance.

    LMCHING’s strategy guarantees that every customer feels sustained in their trip to uncover the very best skin care items for
    their individual choices and worries.

    A crucial element of LMCHING’s success depends on its capacity
    to attach customers with the world’s most prominent skincare brands.

    The system highlights a thoughtfully selected collection of
    premium offerings from LA Mer and La Prairie, 2 leaders in the appeal sector.

    Popular around the world, LA Mer’s transformative skincare is driven by its iconic Miracle Broth ™ formula.

    With items ranging from nourishing lotions to cutting-edge treatments, LA Mer concentrates on revitalizing and improving skin health.

    LA Mer’s products personify its dedication to accomplishing impressive end results and
    elevating the ritual of self-care.

    La Prairie, commemorated for its Swiss heritage and scientific precision, is a leader in anti-aging
    skincare.

    Its caviar-based solutions and advanced treatments are developed to deliver unrivaled results.

    With its mix of technological progression and beauty, La Prairie creates items for the most careful clientele.

    By collaborating with LA Mer and La Prairie, LMCHING provides customers with top-tier skincare
    options, conference diverse skin requirements and issues.

    Every product is sourced with authenticity and care, reinforcing LMCHING’s reputation as a relied on location for high-end beauty.

    The system has developed a comprehensive worldwide delivery infrastructure to get
    to a bigger target market.

    Customers in the United States, the UK, Australia, Canada,
    France, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, Germany,
    and New Zealand can rely on LMCHING for quick, reliable
    shipment.

    The system’s durable logistics make sure that
    items are delivered worldwide with care and arrive in beautiful problem.

    The platform’s attention to these areas showcases its objective of making costs skincare available to a global clientele.

    Automated systems allow seamless order monitoring and efficient processing, creating an easy experience for customers worldwide.

    LMCHING continues to redefine what’s feasible, maintaining its focus on integrating advanced innovation with
    traditional luxury.

    The cutting-edge features of the platform are matched by a
    layout that is both classy and very easy to navigate.

    Whether consumers are exploring the most recent releases from LA Mer
    or revisiting their preferred La Prairie items, LMCHING’s platform
    provides a smooth and satisfying shopping trip.

    In the deluxe elegance market, LMCHING’s knack for understanding
    and dealing with customer needs secures its leadership function.

    Through the assimilation of state-of-the-art modern technology and a curated schedule of top-tier brands, LMCHING guarantees an outstanding experience.

    Linking charm lovers from Canada to New Zealand, LMCHING
    brings the very best innovations to a global target market.

    By pushing the limits of possibility with brand-new features and cultivating partnerships with market symbols like LA Mer and La Prairie, LMCHING continues to establish the standard
    for luxury elegance ecommerce.

    As it aims to the future, LMCHING continues to
    be committed to improving its offerings and providing an unparalleled purchasing experience.

    By highlighting advancement, high standards, and customer availability, LMCHING brings high-end
    skincare closer to every person.

    Feel free to visit my webpage Emilio

    Reply

  44. I want to to thank you for this great read!! I definitely loved every little bit of
    it. I’ve got you book marked to check out new stuff you post…

    Feel free to surf to my web page: Spinwin

    Reply

  47. Therefore, my automatic driving lessons are tailored to meet the unique needs of each learner, ensuring
    that they gain the necessary skills to pass their driving test and become confident drivers.

    my website :: Local driving lessons Cork

    Reply

  49. Hi there to every body, it’s my first visit of this webpage; this blog consists of awesome and actually fine stuff designed for readers.

    Also visit my web blog: Spinwin

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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