Victorian Classism Vs. Social Stratification

James Madison High School

English Victorian Classism Vs. Social Stratification
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English Victorian Classism Vs. Social Stratification:
New Day, Different Practice or Same Old Same? The Victorian Age was a time of kings, queens, and aristocrats who sat in there high seats and looked down on those below them. Not all of them were bad, but the “Upper Class,” as they were also known, stuck to what and who they knew for the most part, but can you really hold them at fault for this? They were merely creatures of habit, following the traditions and teachings of their parents and predecessors that came before them. Same can also be said for the
“Middle” and “Lower” classes, being born into certain families meant a life that was mapped out
for

This was also one of the main problems seen in this time. Many of the individuals in the working class felt slighted or as though they were treated unfavorably whereas middle class had better living arrangements. Not to mention the nobles also lived privileged lives and sat in a position of almost absolute power and wealth. This lead to a lot of contention and hostility from the working class toward the other two classes. Another issue, which may not have been an issue to those in the higher classes, but there wasn’t much intermingling and as previously mentioned social status was almost always inherited. You were born into a certain class which meant you followed whatever career path your family did and that was life for them.
It was very rare that a family’s position in the social hierarchy would change.
Correlations To Present Day.
Many of the social injustices and prejudices are still quietly displayed today. People are still “positioned” based on social standing, career path, and education level amongst other things.
We also still see where the small majority has a lot of privileges that aren’t afforded to the masses. We see celebrities, athletes, and politicians parading around like nobility, with

Final Thoughts and Summary
.
In my opinion, based upon experience and research done for this project, our societal structure is merely a duplication of the past. We’ve modernized terminology and replaced nobility and other aristocrats with political figureheads but at the bare bones it’s still the same.
However, there is one major difference, and I believe this may be key. During the Victorian Era, social status or position was a birthright, and still is to an extent today. Yet, while it may be a hard, arduous journey, it is very much possible to change your position in hierarchy. Celebrities spring up almost overnight, successful business ideas can propel a person from the bottom of the barrel to the front of the line, and people can win the lottery, just to name a few ways to upgrade your social card. So, in closing we go back to our initial question. Is it a new day with a different practice, or is it the same old same? My opinion hangs in the realm of leaning both ways, yes, it is very much the same but there are differences as well. Based on the evidence presented here what are your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree? I challenge you to consider the facts,