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
Ԍambling could bе а lot of fun, model of a draw
back. Fact: Motivating probably essentially the most widespread myths
of pretty much all. Fіnally, have fascinating quit аn individual
ahead.
My page https://gizmodo.uol.com.br/review-10-big-slot-2568/
Good blog you’ve got here.. It’s hard to find excellent
writing like yours nowadays. I seriously appreciate people like you!
Take care!!
Here is my webpage … aqua sculpt reviews, Milford,
This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Best wishes!
Exactly where are your contact details though?
my webpage :: aqua sculpt reviews amazon
Ahaa, its good dialogue about this article here at this webpage,
I have read all that, so now me also commenting here.
My blog; رفع خط خنده با بوتاکس یا ژل
This piece provides a fresh and compelling take on the subject. Your writing style is both eloquent and persuasive. grocery cashier
Hey very cool web site!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Superb .. I will bookmark your
blog and take the feeds also? I am satisfied to find numerous useful information right here in the submit, we
want work out extra techniques on this regard, thanks for sharing.
. . . . .
Also visit my website: aqua sculpt reviews amazon (Jonas)
I was suggested this web site by my cousin. I’m not positive
whether this publish is written via him as no one else recognize such specific
approximately my problem. You are wonderful! Thank you!
my web-site aqua sculpt reviews (Mellisa)
It’s hard to come by educated people on this subject, however, you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Have a look at my blog; زومبا در خانه برای لاغری
Hi! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but
after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking
back often!
my homepage: 마약변호사
You’re so cool! I don’t believe I’ve truly read a single thing like this
before. So great to discover somebody with a few original thoughts on this topic.
Seriously.. many thanks for starting this up. This website is something
that’s needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!
Feel free to surf to my web site :: add telegram members
Hola, soy Clark, tengo 28 años y vivo en Alella provincia de
Barcelona. Trabajo como abogada y tengo dos hijos, Martín de 5 años y Laura de
3.
No dudes en visitar mi página web :: DiseñO De Paginas Web Andorra
Hi there Dear, are you really visiting this web site on a regular basis, if so after that you will definitely take nice know-how.
Also visit my web page … go to the page (Lashawn)
Wow, this post is fastidious, my sister is analyzing these things, thus I am going to let know
her.
Visit my web blog :: click here for more
An intriguing discussion is definitely worth comment. I believe that you need to write more about this topic,
it might not be a taboo matter but generally folks don’t discuss such topics.
To the next! All the best!!
Check out my webpage – see for yourself – Madeleine
If you are going for finest contents like me, only pay a quick visit this web page all the time for the reason that it gives quality contents, thanks
Here is my homepage; telegram user adder
whoah check this out – Niklas – weblog is excellent i really like reading your articles.
Keep up the good work! You understand, many people
are hunting around for this info, you could help them greatly.
Hey I am so happy I found your website, I really found you
by mistake, while I was searching on Bing for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to
say thank you for a marvelous post and a all round entertaining blog (I also
love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it all at the minute
but I have bookmarked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be
back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the awesome work.
Here is my blog post telegram members add
Hi there, There’s no doubt that your blog might be having
web browser compatibility problems. Whenever I take a look
at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues.
I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up!
Aside from that, great website!
My blog … carplay app tutorial
Ꮋi tоߋ every one, it’s in fact a good for me t᧐ pay a quuick visit this website, it cοnsists of valuaƄle Informatiߋn.
my web-sitе magic 8 Ball Online
Hi! Ι simply wish to offer youu a huge thumbs up for your excellent info you haѵe ɡot right here on this post.
I’ll be coming back to your blߋg for more soon.
my blog – slope game
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on google. Regards
my web blog buôn bán vũ khí trái phép
It’s impressіvｅ that you are getting thoughts from thіs piece
of writing as well as from ouｒ discussiоn made here.
Here is my web blog … slope game
Hello, jսst wanted to tell you, I liked this pоst.
It was inspiring. Keep on posting!
Hｅre iѕ my web-site: magic 8 ball
Undeniably believe that which you stated. Your favorite reason seemed to be on the internet the easiest thing to be
aware of. I say to you, I certainly get irked while people think about worries that they just don’t know about.
You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out
the whole thing without having side-effects , people could take a signal.
Will likely be back to get more. Thanks
my web site; 188bet
I have read so many posts about the blogger lovers but
this piece of writing is truly a pleasant paragraph, keep it up.
Here is my web-site – 301 redirect SEO impact
Ӏ think thіs iis аmong tһe most vital info for mｅ.
And i’m glad гeading your article. Βut should remark on ѕolme general things, The site style is wonderful, the articles iis
really great : D. Good job, cһeers
my web-site; unblocked games 76
Howdy! Do yоu knnow iff they make any plugins to protect aցainst
hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing evｅrything I’ve worked
hard ᧐n. Any sᥙggestions?
Ꮋere is my sіte :: slope unbkocked
If some one wisһes to be updаted wirh latest technologіes
afterwaгd he muѕt be visіt tis website annd be up to date daily.
Feel free to visit my blߋg рқst slope unbkocked
Howdy, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and
i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam comments?
If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can recommend?
I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any support
is very much appreciated.
Here is my web site: Fantom Opera Wallet
Thanks to my father who told me regarding this web site, this website is genuinely amazing.
my homepage: free tv online
If you desire to get much frdom this paragraph then you have too apply such techniques to your won weblog.
Feel free tto visit my webpage: proxy cheap price
I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your website.
It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more
enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to
create your theme? Fantastic work!
Also visit my web blog :: agen bokep
With havin so much written content do you ever
run into any issues of plagorism or copyright infringement?
My website has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it looks
like a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my agreement.
Do you know any methods to help protect against content from being ripped off?
I’d definitely appreciate it.
Check out my web page :: ฮั่งวีไอพี
Its not my first time to visit this web site, i am browsing this site dailly and obtain good facts from here every day.
Also visit my web-site; tk88
Touche. Solid arguments. Keep up the good spirit.
Here is my blog; Click here
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets
I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time
and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this.
Please let me know if you run into anything.
I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your
new updates.
My blog – http://37Gq.com
Unquestionably believe that which you said. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the web the easiest thing to be aware of.
I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people consider worries that they
plainly don’t know about. You managed to hit
the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without having side-effects ,
people can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more.
Thanks
My webpage telegram members increase
It’s а pity you don’t hаve а donate button! Ι’d definitely donate tⲟ thiѕ brilliant blog!
I suppose fօr now i’ll settle fօr bookmarking and adding youг RSS
feed tto mｙ Google account. I ⅼⲟok forward too fresh updates аnd will share tһiѕ site wіth
my Facebook ɡroup. Talk soon!
Here is mｙ blog post; youtube button kaufen
Every weekend i used to go to see this website, because i
want enjoyment, as this this website conations actually nice funny material
too.
my web site … altinorman.com.tr
I pay a quick visit each day some web sites and blogs to read posts,
except this blog gives feature based posts.
Look into my web page; anlatiyoruz.com.tr
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts.
Any way I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently
quickly.
My site; artikkolay.com.tr
Very descriptive blog, I enjoyed that a lot. Will there be a
part 2?
Look into my page … bakimsever.com.tr
Good post. I learn something new and challenging on blogs
I stumbleupon everyday. It’s always exciting to read through articles from
other authors and use something from other web sites.
my web page … deneme1
What’s up, its pleasant article regarding media print,
we all be familiar with media is a fantastic source of facts.
Stop by my homepage nationwide expos
Hi there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came
to check it out. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
Terrific blog and amazing style and design.
Feel free to visit my web-site :: bilgigelsin.com.tr
Why viewers still make use of to read news papers when in this technological
world all is accessible on web?
My blog … akilliportal.com.tr
Hi there would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re utilizing?
I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different internet browsers and I must say this
blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you recommend a
good internet hosting provider at a fair price? Cheers,
I appreciate it!
my homepage :: bilgicepte.com.tr
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an extremely long comment
but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr…
well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say wonderful blog!
my page: beymod.com.tr
When someone writes an article he/she keeps the plan of a user in his/her mind that how a user can understand it.
So that’s why this post is perfect. Thanks!
Look into my web site: asyahaberleri.com.tr
Great blog here! Also your site loads up fast!
What web host are you the usage of? Can I am getting your associate hyperlink on your host?
I desire my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Visit my page :: deneme2