ExKiwilass

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe...ticle17598552/

Dude has written a book basically saying if your ancestors were plebs you will be too, regardless of opportunity, education etc. I'm thinking about buying it and reading it.

I've got one of those bog-ordinay surnames ending in "son" (they were original, my ancestors) so no wonder I'm still a peasant. Thoughts?

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe...ticle17598552/

Gozit

My thought? If my name means i'll be a peasant i'll go change it

scrubbedexpat091

I have a very common name, one of the most common around, but its not the family's original last name, and nobody knows what the original was, but I do know on my dad's side, the family of the 1800's was not law abiding, and ran with various natives, so I am a red haired, freckled, pale skinned, but have sufficient native to claim it, throws people off when I show them my card...lol

Yorkiechef

Plebson! It can't be a common name in NZ can it? It sounds quite original.

colchar

I would have to read the book to examine his sources and methodology but as a historian I can already think of some potential problems with that methodology and the conclusions that resulted.

Shard

This study was discussed in Britain too. It's not the surname per se, it's the family/lineage that is being linked with social mobility.

On a similar topic, but with different conclusions, Martin Amis (writer) is going to make some pronouncements on English social mobility, class and race on a Channel 4 documentary tonight. Should provide some controversy for the media next week!

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-en...s-9197993.html

ExKiwilass

it's an interesting idea because it could indicate that moving countries for more opportunities for your kids is pointless if you're from a crap family.

Shard

Are you a historian ? How fab. Which period ?

Oink

Once upon a time . . .

colchar

Here is another column that touches on the subject:


http://www.torontosun.com/2014/03/22...d-they-succeed

colchar

Modern British history.

izzi81

How many immigrants in years gone by moved country to make a new life for themselves and their families? Lots of them built towns, communities, businesses, the country!

Siouxie

My family name has a shield and crest with the motto "Labor omnia vincit" which translates as "Perseverance overcomes all difficulties".

Quite appropriate for my life!

Jingsamichty

Same with my family name - fancy crest and Latin motto. Very amusing, as I doubt if any of my non-immediate ancestors could even read or write. And if they could, it would have been in Gaelic.

ExKiwilass

and lots of them were poor (and continued being poor), mentally ill, rapists, alcoholics, diseased etc. None of the social ills have disappeared in the "new" countries. What's your point. Haven't read the book yet, but if there is any truth to what this author is suggesting, it means that moving countries is not enough to change people's opportunities if they are carrying family baggage that makes it difficult to succeed.