CLASS: Does it still matter? Gary on talkRADIO with Cristo Foufas

Gary Stevenson, an inequality economist, joins Cristo Foufas to discuss whether class still matters in Great Britain in 2021. He opens by sharing his own background from Ilford, East London, highlighting how growing up poor shaped his view on security and opportunities. He contrasts his path from a working-class upbringing to attending London School of Economics and Oxford, then entering the city, illustrating how access to elite spaces often excludes people from similar backgrounds. Gary emphasizes the emotional impact of insecurity, such as worrying about affording a house or supporting a family, and he argues that the economic system creates barriers even for those who work hard. He then broadens the discussion to the persistence of class inequalities beyond race, noting that many working-class individuals struggle to enter top universities and prestigious careers, regardless of ethnicity. The conversation shifts to the role of perceived class in societal mobility, with Gary challenging the notion that class is simply a relic of the past and underscoring the need for economic policy that improves security nets. He concludes by underscoring his effort to translate economic insights into practical advice for ordinary people and proposes continuing the discussion in future segments. Cristo teases a deeper dive into how class shapes opportunities and security in the context of ongoing lockdowns and social mobility debates.

Topics · economics · social-inequality · british-politics