Is Class still a thing in 2025? Pt2
Why We Are Not So Different: Shared Struggles and Common Ground
While class divisions in the UK in 2025 are stark and often deeply entrenched, there is a growing recognition that, in many ways, we are not so different. Despite the disparities in wealth, income, and opportunity, people across the class spectrum share common struggles and aspirations that highlight our shared humanity. This realisation is driven by several factors, including the impact of global challenges, the erosion of traditional class boundaries, and the rise of a more interconnected society.
1. Global Challenges and Shared Vulnerabilities
By 2025, global issues such as climate change, the cost-of-living crisis, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have created a sense of shared vulnerability. These challenges do not discriminate by class. Whether you are a wealthy homeowner facing rising insurance costs due to flooding or a low-income family struggling to pay energy bills, the impact of these crises is felt across the board. This shared experience has fostered a sense of solidarity, as people recognise that no one is immune to the pressures of a rapidly changing world.
For example, the climate crisis has forced communities to come together to address local environmental issues, transcending class divides. Similarly, the cost-of-living crisis has highlighted how even those traditionally considered middle or upper-class can face financial insecurity due to rising inflation, stagnant wages, and housing costs. These shared struggles remind us that, beneath the surface, we are all navigating similar challenges.
2. The Blurring of Class Boundaries
The traditional markers of class have become increasingly blurred in 2025. The rise of the gig economy, remote work, and the decline of stable, long-term employment have created a more fluid class structure. A university graduate working in a high-paying tech job might still struggle to afford a home in a major city, while someone in a traditionally working-class trade might earn a comfortable income due to high demand for skilled labour. This fluidity has made it harder to define class solely by occupation or income, leading to a more nuanced understanding of social stratification.
Moreover, cultural markers of class have also become less distinct. The internet and social media have democratised access to information, entertainment, and cultural expression, creating shared experiences that transcend class. A working-class teenager and an upper-class teenager might listen to the same music, watch the same shows, and follow the same influencers, fostering a sense of commonality that was less apparent in previous generations.
3. The Universality of Aspirations
At their core, people across all classes share similar aspirations: to live a secure, fulfilling life, to provide for their families, and to have access to opportunities for growth and self-improvement. While the means to achieve these goals may differ, the underlying desires are universal. A single parent working multiple jobs to make ends meet and a high-earning professional striving for career advancement are both motivated by the same fundamental human drive to improve their circumstances.
This universality of aspirations is increasingly recognised in public discourse. Campaigns for better wages, affordable housing, and improved public services often highlight the shared goals of people from different class backgrounds. For instance, the push for universal childcare or better mental health support resonates with both working-class families and middle-class professionals, underscoring the common ground that exists beneath the surface of class divisions.
4. The Role of Empathy and Connection
In 2025, the rise of social media and digital communication has made it easier for people to share their stories and connect with others from different walks of life. This has fostered greater empathy and understanding across class lines. A viral post about the struggles of a low-income family might resonate with someone from a wealthier background, prompting them to reflect on their own privileges and biases. Similarly, stories of middle-class families facing financial strain can challenge stereotypes and highlight the complexities of modern life.
This increased connectivity has also led to more cross-class collaborations in activism, community projects, and political movements. Whether it’s a grassroots campaign for affordable housing or a coalition advocating for better working conditions, people from different class backgrounds are coming together to address shared concerns. These collaborations demonstrate that, despite our differences, we are capable of finding common cause and working towards a more equitable society.
Conclusion: A Shared Future
While class remains a significant factor in shaping lives and opportunities in the UK in 2025, the recognition of our shared struggles and aspirations offers a glimmer of hope. Global challenges, the blurring of class boundaries, the universality of human aspirations, and the power of empathy and connection remind us that, at our core, we are not so different. By focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us, we can begin to build a society that values equity, compassion, and collective progress. In a world that often emphasises division, this shared understanding is more important than ever.