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

3,638 thoughts on “A Voice for the Voiceless”

  2. 20 Ft Tunnel Containers Tools To Improve Your Daily Life 20 Ft Tunnel Containers Technique Every Person Needs To
    Know 20 ft tunnel Containers (funsilo.Date)

    Reply

  10. Hello i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anywhere,
    when i read this piece of writing i thought i could
    also create comment due to this brilliant article.

    Here is my web blog – bidencash cc

    Reply

  18. I’m amazed, I have to admit. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s equally educative and amusing, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head.
    The problem is something which not enough people are speaking intelligently about.
    Now i’m very happy that I found this during my search for something relating to this.

    My web site … big tits online free

    Reply

  20. Pretty nice post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wished
    to mention that I’ve truly enjoyed surfing around your weblog posts.
    In any case I’ll be subscribing in your rss feed and
    I am hoping you write once more soon!

    Also visit my website … blow job

    Reply

  21. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as
    though you relied on the video to make your point.
    You definitely know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you could
    be giving us something enlightening to read?

    my web blog :: anal sex

    Reply

  22. Thanks for any other informative blog. The place else may I get that kind of information written in such an ideal means?
    I have a venture that I’m just now working on, and I have
    been at the glance out for such information.

    my website: win88.cash

    Reply

  25. Excellent weblog right here! Also your web site so much up fast!
    What web host are you the usage of? Can I am getting your associate hyperlink on your host?
    I want my site loaded up as fast as yours lol

    Also visit my web page … raidontactics

    Reply

  27. It’s actually very complicated in this full of activity life to listen news on Television, so I simply use world wide web for that purpose,
    and get the newest news.

    Stop by my web page; erotic massage

    Reply

  29. Spot on with this write-up, I really think
    this amazing site needs much more attention. I’ll probably be
    returning to read through more, thanks for the info!

    Look at my web page :: Buy Fast Proxies

    Reply

  30. Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; we have developed some
    nice methods and we are looking to swap solutions with other folks,
    be sure to shoot me an e-mail if interested.

    Visit my web site; https://honey1.testedhoneypot.com

    Reply

  31. Simply desire to say your article is as astonishing.
    The clarity in your publish is simply spectacular and that i
    could assume you are a professional on this subject.
    Fine along with your permission allow me to seize your feed to keep up to date with imminent post.
    Thank you a million and please continue the rewarding
    work.

    Look at my website wplay

    Reply

  32. Hello, i think that i saw you visited my site thus i came
    to “return the favor”.I’m attempting to find things to
    improve my website!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!

    my blog post blow job

    Reply

  34. I seriously love your site.. Great colors & theme.
    Did you create this web site yourself? Please reply back
    as I’m trying to create my own blog and would like to know where you got this from or exactly
    what the theme is called. Thanks!

    Here is my web page esta application

    Reply

  36. Blockchain and AI are revolutionizing the digital space, enabling smarter automation, enhanced security, and decentralized decision-making. Explore how AI agents and AI crypto coins are shaping the future of finance and technology in this evolving landscape.

    Reply

  37. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video
    to make your point. You definitely know what youre
    talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting
    videos to your blog when you could be giving us
    something enlightening to read?

    Also visit my web-site :: mua bán nội tạng trẻ em

    Reply

  38. Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers?
    I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard
    on. Any suggestions?

    Review my web-site :: best drugs

    Reply

  40. Thanks for every other excellent article. The place else
    could anyone get that kind of info in such a perfect approach of writing?
    I have a presentation subsequent week, and I’m at the search for such info.

    Look at my page – content Creation; wczasynabalinj654321.blog-eye.Com,

    Reply

  44. Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found a sea shell
    and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the
    shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her
    ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I
    had to tell someone!

    Here is my blog post สล็อตเว็บตรง888

    Reply

  46. Somebody necessarily help to make significantly posts I’d state.
    That is the first time I frequented your
    website page and to this point? I amazed with the analysis you made to create this particular publish extraordinary.
    Excellent process!

    my webpage: togel online pasaran resmi

    Reply

  47. The system additionally gives actual-time notifications and updates to keep both teachers and
    students informed about class bulletins orr changes in assignments.

    Feel free to suf too my webpage; Student Support Services

    Reply

  49. Heya! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 3gs!
    Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts!
    Carry on the outstanding work!

    Visit my blog post; Косметология

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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