Chavs

1. The demonization of the working class: From "salt of the earth" to "scum of the earth"

Chav-hate is a way of justifying an unequal society.

Class hatred legitimizes inequality. The term "chav" has become a socially acceptable way to express contempt for the working class. This demonization serves to justify the widening gap between rich and poor by suggesting that those at the bottom deserve their fate due to personal failings rather than systemic issues.

The shift in perception is stark. Once respected as the "salt of the earth," the working class is now often portrayed as the "scum of the earth." This change reflects a broader societal shift away from valuing collective action and solidarity towards individualism and personal responsibility.

Consequences of demonization:

• Reduced empathy for working-class struggles
• Justification for cutting social programs
• Increased social division and tension
• Erosion of working-class identity and pride

2. Thatcherism's assault on working-class Britain: Unions, industries, and communities

Thatcherism was fostering a new culture where success was measured by what you owned.

Thatcher's policies reshaped Britain. The Thatcher government launched a concerted attack on the pillars of working-class Britain: trade unions, traditional industries, and social housing. This assault was not just economic but ideological, aiming to redefine success in purely materialistic terms.

The consequences were far-reaching. Deindustrialization led to the collapse of many working-class communities, particularly in the North of England, Scotland, and Wales. The defeat of the miners' strike in 1984-85 symbolized the breaking of union power and the end of an era of working-class strength.

Key aspects of Thatcher's assault:

• Union-busting legislation
• Privatization of state-owned industries
• Right-to-buy scheme for council houses
• Promotion of individualism over collectivism
• Shift from manufacturing to service-based economy

3. The myth of "We're all middle class now": The reality of modern working-class life

A low-paid, part-time, female shelf-stacker would certainly not be unrepresentative of the same class today.

The working class has changed but not disappeared. Despite claims that "we're all middle class now," the reality is that the working class still exists but has been transformed. The decline of traditional industries has given rise to a new service sector working class, often in low-paid, insecure jobs.

Modern working-class life is characterized by precarity. Many workers face job insecurity, zero-hour contracts, and stagnant wages. The gig economy and temporary work have replaced the stable, unionized jobs of the past. This new reality has made it harder for workers to organize and fight for their rights.

Key features of modern working-class life:

• Predominance of service sector jobs
• Increase in part-time and temporary work
• Growth of the "working poor"
• Decline in home ownership among younger workers
• Reduced union membership and collective bargaining power

4. Media and entertainment's role in perpetuating working-class stereotypes

The media manipulation of the Shannon Matthews case was not itself the most worrying part of the story. Politicians recognize a bandwagon when they see one, and they hastily jumped on.

Media reinforces negative stereotypes. The portrayal of working-class people in media and entertainment often relies on harmful stereotypes. Characters like Vicky Pollard from "Little Britain" or the participants in reality TV shows like "Benefits Street" are presented as representative of the entire working class.

These portrayals have real-world consequences. By reinforcing negative stereotypes, media representations contribute to the demonization of the working class and shape public opinion. This, in turn, influences policy decisions and public attitudes towards issues like welfare and social housing.

Examples of problematic media portrayals:

• "Chav" caricatures in comedy shows
• Sensationalist coverage of "benefit scroungers" in tabloids
• Reality TV shows exploiting working-class participants
• Lack of authentic working-class voices in mainstream media
• Use of class stereotypes in advertising and marketing

5. Immigration backlash: A symptom of working-class marginalization

The rise of the far right is a symptom of a larger crisis: the lack of representation of working-class people.

Immigration concerns mask deeper issues. The backlash against immigration in working-class communities is often a reflection of broader economic and social anxieties. Concerns about jobs, housing, and public services are channeled into anti-immigrant sentiment due to a lack of alternative political narratives.

Far-right parties exploit this discontent. Groups like the British National Party (BNP) have made inroads in some working-class areas by presenting themselves as champions of the "white working class." However, their success is more a symptom of political disengagement than genuine support for far-right ideology.

Factors contributing to the immigration backlash:

• Economic insecurity and job competition
• Housing shortages and strain on public services
• Loss of traditional working-class identities
• Lack of mainstream political representation
• Media scapegoating of immigrants

6. The crisis of working-class political representation

When 'class politics' is mentioned, it is normally understood to mean fighting the corner of working-class people, whether with good, bad or naïve intentions. Not any more.

Traditional left parties have abandoned class politics. The Labour Party, once the political voice of the working class, has shifted its focus to middle-class voters under New Labour. This has left many working-class people feeling politically homeless and unrepresented.

The consequences of this abandonment are severe. Without effective political representation, working-class concerns are marginalized in policy debates. This has contributed to growing political disengagement, with many working-class voters either abstaining or turning to populist alternatives.

Signs of the crisis of representation:

• Decline in working-class Labour MPs
• Shift to identity politics over class-based politics
• Growing voter apathy in working-class areas
• Rise of populist and far-right parties
• Disconnect between political elites and working-class experiences

7. Towards a new class politics: Redefining aspiration and creating good jobs

At the centre of a political agenda must be a total redefinition of aspiration.

A new vision of aspiration is needed. Rather than promoting individual social mobility as the only form of aspiration, a new class politics should focus on improving conditions for the working class as a whole. This includes fighting for better jobs, housing, and public services for all.

Job creation should be a central focus. A program of public investment in green industries, social housing, and infrastructure could create millions of well-paid, secure jobs. This would not only address unemployment but also improve the quality of work available to working-class people.

Key elements of a new class politics:

• Emphasis on collective rather than individual advancement
• Investment in public services and social housing
• Green New Deal to create jobs and address climate change
• Strengthening of workers' rights and union power
• Community-based organizing alongside workplace activism
• Challenging negative stereotypes and promoting working-class pride

Last updated: January 23, 2025