How Helpful is the Term ‘White Working Class’?
You know that the world’s turned upside down when you – the daughter of a car mechanic – are labelled ‘the elite’ by an Etonian. Yet this is exactly what’s…
Culture is a class issue
A new think tank such as CLASS is essential. For too long we’ve sold the pass on getting working class and trade unionists into Parliament. And for too long the…
The closure of Eaves charity is the tip of the iceberg in the crisis for women’s services
In February 2011, Denise Marshall, head of the leading women’s refuge charity Eaves, gave back her OBE. It had been an honour to receive it for services to disadvantaged women,…
Stop pushing people into poverty and get serious about job creation
The Welfare Up-Rating Bill, which had its second reading last week, is a miserable piece of legislation which imposes a 1% cap on tax credits and benefits over the next…
Beyond Fire Regulations: Housing and Inequality After Grenfell
When it comes to analysis of the horrific Grenfell Tower fire that took place three weeks ago, there is a clear dividing line. There are those of us, including Grenfell…
First 100 Days – Ensuring Gender Equality
Ensuring Gender Equality Dr Diane Elson Diane Elson is the Chair of the UK Women’s Budget Group and Professor Emeritus of sociology at the University of Essex. The UK Equality…
It’s Time for Workers on Boards
In an era of slow wage growth, precarious contracts and the looming shadow of Brexit, workers need more voice in the workplace. In 2024, this was recognised by prime minister…
Surveillance: All You Need To Know
Important CCTV & Surveillance Information In the United Kingdom, closed-circuit television (CCTV) and video surveillance security systems are designed to monitor public behaviour and movement. It has been a crucial…
Universal Basic Income in a Post-Virus Britain
A basic income floor would help define our society in the post-coronavirus era, writes economist Stewart Lansley With livelihoods shattered and household incomes heading for unprecedented falls, attention needs to…
This is why junior doctors are protesting
On Saturday 20,000 doctors, nurses and patients marched across London to Parliament Square. The junior doctors’ contract reforms have caused concern throughout the profession. The hardest working junior doctors in…
Making the UK a Good Place to Work: Why We Still Need Collective Bargaining
Last week saw the publication of Understanding Society’s Insights 2025 report, which includes new evidence on low pay and work using findings from the UK Household Longitudinal Study. It provides…