What is it about Aus that makes you..
Oct 19th 2007, 2:53 pm
#31
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Hill overlooking the SE Melbourne suburbs
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Re: What is it about Aus that makes you..
When you see people equating levels of income with social class, it's a sure sign that they don't actually know what a "class system" is.
A class system is a form of social stratification under which people born into a particular stratum of society are automatically granted superior rights and privileges, while those "below" them will have fewer privileges and limited social mobility.
While it is true that in Australia (as in most Western nations) people have a tendency to judge each other by their economic success (eg. a high-level professional with an expensive house and car will often be described as "middle class", this does not constitute a class system.
Economic stratification does not equate to social stratification, because social class is not determined by income; it is determined by rank, status, and privilege. This is verifiable: Lord Marlborough could lose all his money tomorrow, but he would still be Lord Marlborough; by contrast, I could win win Lotto tomorrow and buy a stately home, but that wouldn't make me a peer.
Australia does not have a class system; it simply has a population with varying levels of income who tend to describe each other's socio-economic status in the language of social stratification. This phenomenon is common to other Western nations without a class system, such as the USA.
A class system is a form of social stratification under which people born into a particular stratum of society are automatically granted superior rights and privileges, while those "below" them will have fewer privileges and limited social mobility.
While it is true that in Australia (as in most Western nations) people have a tendency to judge each other by their economic success (eg. a high-level professional with an expensive house and car will often be described as "middle class", this does not constitute a class system.
Economic stratification does not equate to social stratification, because social class is not determined by income; it is determined by rank, status, and privilege. This is verifiable: Lord Marlborough could lose all his money tomorrow, but he would still be Lord Marlborough; by contrast, I could win win Lotto tomorrow and buy a stately home, but that wouldn't make me a peer.
Australia does not have a class system; it simply has a population with varying levels of income who tend to describe each other's socio-economic status in the language of social stratification. This phenomenon is common to other Western nations without a class system, such as the USA.
People always mix money with class, or fail to really analyse the varying levels of stratification. In any case it is often academic - literally, and depends on who you talk to.
The reality is that many stratification systems - a better term - are mixed - and in the final analysis, it's often influence that counts. That is why, for example, old academics, the poor gentry and eminent soldiers can be part of the establishment and why newly minted lottery winners aren't and never will be.
But certainly money helps somewhere out in the middle and everyone who feels they are at the bottom of the heap -our friend above - aims higher. Everyone else doesn't care.
Personally I belive in personal rationalisation, if you're happy you're OK.
Oct 19th 2007, 2:58 pm
#32
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Hill overlooking the SE Melbourne suburbs
Posts: 16,622
Re: What is it about Aus that makes you..
As for UK union reps, they would love a "class war". Before I encountered unions, I always believed they were a good thing. However, my experience of unions - in Oz and UK - is that they prevent change, thereby consigning most companies to the dustbin. Just look at the RMT union. I've dealt with some of these guys and they are dinosaurs. I just hope evolution deals them a fatal blow soon.
Christ Mike, did you sh*t the bed or something. It must have been good to get you here.
Agree on all you said, not just the bit I quote. You see - it's complex - not as simple as people make out.
I still feel that Australian is more egalitarian for a number of reasons many people identify. It's all relative.
Oct 19th 2007, 3:04 pm
#35
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Hill overlooking the SE Melbourne suburbs
Posts: 16,622
Re: What is it about Aus that makes you..
See - it's influence that counts. Sex and snobbery sells, whether its cheap, nasty or established. (Hello magazine). In an age where everyone has a McMansion and a plasma a bit of old style living seems glamorous.
Oct 19th 2007, 7:33 pm
#36
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Mar 2007
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posts: 3,521
Re: What is it about Aus that makes you..
Hmm good point. These monetary "classes" you describe would explain the sheer volulme of nouveau riche then!
Last edited by rabsody; Oct 19th 2007 at 7:43 pm.
Oct 24th 2007, 9:09 am
#37
Canberra bound
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,062
Re: What is it about Aus that makes you..
Because it's a media interest. And marrying into a Royal Family would be quite exciting or interesting (or worrying) for many girls, as it was for one girl by the name of Diana.
See - it's influence that counts. Sex and snobbery sells, whether its cheap, nasty or established. (Hello magazine). In an age where everyone has a McMansion and a plasma a bit of old style living seems glamorous.
See - it's influence that counts. Sex and snobbery sells, whether its cheap, nasty or established. (Hello magazine). In an age where everyone has a McMansion and a plasma a bit of old style living seems glamorous.
