A recent survey sheds light on the complex and often inequitable reality of social class in Britain, revealing that while over a third of Britons believe they have changed social class, this perception is not evenly distributed across the population. The survey, conducted by research firm Attest, highlights the persistent barriers faced by working-class individuals and the psychological toll of navigating a society stratified by class.

The survey identified a group of approximately 6 million people who consider themselves to belong to more than one social class, termed “polyclass” by researchers. However, this phenomenon is disproportionately experienced by individuals from upper-middle and upper-class backgrounds, suggesting that the ability to transcend class boundaries is often predicated on existing privilege.

For working-class individuals, the experience is markedly different. The survey found that 70% of working-class respondents reported remaining in the same social class they were born into, underscoring the structural challenges that limit upward mobility. These challenges are further compounded by the pervasive stigma associated with working-class identity.

Nearly half of the survey respondents reported feeling judged based on their class, with social class ranked as more influential than other aspects of identity, such as age, gender, or ethnicity. This highlights the deep-seated prejudice and discrimination that working-class individuals often face in various social and professional settings.

Dominic Abrams, a professor of social psychology at the University of Kent, points to the blurring of traditional class markers as a potential factor contributing to the rise of the “polyclass.” However, he also acknowledges that the perception of class mobility may not reflect the lived experiences of those from working-class backgrounds.

Indeed, separate research by the Sutton Trust reveals a persistent “happiness gap” between social classes, even among working-class individuals who achieve professional success. The Sutton Trust study found that those from working-class backgrounds were a third more likely to experience low wellbeing compared to their more affluent peers, suggesting that the psychological scars of class inequality can linger long after individuals have ostensibly climbed the social ladder.

This “happiness gap” underscores the importance of addressing the systemic barriers that prevent working-class individuals from fully participating in and benefiting from society. It also highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by those who navigate multiple social classes, often at the cost of their own well-being.