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Is there an underclass in Britain?

A Buckingham1

  • 1School of Social Sciences, University of Sussex.

The British Journal of Sociology
|July 23, 2004
PubMed
Summary

A distinct social class, the underclass, characterized by lack of qualifications, low cognitive ability, and chronic joblessness, has been identified in Britain. This group exhibits unique patterns in family formation, work commitment, and political allegiance, differing from the working class.

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Area of Science:

  • Sociology
  • Social Policy
  • Class Analysis

Background:

  • The concept of an 'underclass' in social science is debated, with questions regarding its empirical validity and historical connotations.
  • Previous research has questioned whether a distinct underclass exists separate from the working class.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define the underclass and empirically test competing theories within the underclass debate.
  • To investigate the distinctiveness of the underclass from the working class.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of the National Child Development Study (NCDS).
  • Examination of patterns in qualifications, cognitive ability, employment, family formation, work commitment, and political allegiance.

Main Results:

  • Empirical evidence supports the existence of an underclass defined by lack of qualifications, low cognitive ability, and chronic joblessness.
  • The underclass is found to be distinctive from the working class in family formation, work commitment, and political allegiance.
  • Evidence of inter- and intra-generational stability in underclass membership was observed.

Conclusions:

  • The findings challenge assertions that a distinct underclass does not empirically exist.
  • Distinct attitudes and stable membership suggest the emergence of a new social class in Britain.
  • The study provides evidence for the continued relevance of class analysis in understanding contemporary social structures.

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