Social class in Delamaria

Delamarians have historically been classified by class, especially in the Anglish speaking areas of Labradoria. Prior to industrialisation wealth was divided largely on aristocratic and trade lines, with the noble as well as the merchant classes dominating the economy. After industrialisation began however a middle class emerged and with it social mobility, with plenty of economic and social opportunties for those of any class. However the unofficial social class system remains.

Politics was historically very divided by class, with the monarch traditionally at the very top, followed by the aristocrats, often filling positions within the House of Lords, later the Senate, and non-noble politicians being confined to the more common House of Delegates.

Classes

The Delamarian class system generally is described as having the following categories:

Lower Classes

Underclass

Delamarian economist Rupert Sykes described the underclass as the poorest in society, often on the brink of homelessness if not already in state emergency housing, if they are employed, which they are often not, it is generally in part-time routine work, at or below the minimum wage. The underclass rely on state welfare in order to afford basic utensils and are most often forced to resort to food banks. Statistically most members of the underclass leave formal education early, with the DSA reporting that social mobility is rare. The government has often attempted to promote social mobility for the underclasses, however successes have been minimal, which public bodies have blamed on a poor cultural attitude towards work and education. In the past much of the underclass would have been forced into workhouses, so as not to starve before the advent of government welfare.

Working Class

The working class is the more traditional view of the lower classes. A member of the working class rarely attended university, however generally completed early high school education and often undertake apprenticeships. The working class have an income of £20-29,000 before taxes, and typically reside in state built housing. Members of the working class are usually employed in such industries as manufacturing, unskilled service work, and manual labour (Generally construction). Members of the working classes with a higher income within the range can be found in jobs more typical of the middle class, in some managerial positions, however due to social and educational background would still be considered working.

Middle Classes

Lower Middle Class

The lower middle class consists largely of young professionals, though many retired working class persons are often considered as such. Office workers, real estate agents, teachers, nurses, police officers, public servants and transportation managers are all typical examples of lower middle class professions. Members often but not always have a university degree, and rarely dont complete high school education. The Treasury of Delamaria reported that the lower middle class had the "greatest potential for social mobility", with a "good attitude towards education and employment".

Traditional Middle Class

The traditional view of the middle class in Delamaria consists of home owning families, generally living in suburban areas. Incomes vary from £35,000 to £60,000, with spouses often choosing to run a household rather than a career of their own. The middle class is notable for its drive for social climbing, with usage of private schools, tutors, sports clubs and joining the military being key. Most members of the middle class attended university or higher education, and encourage their children to do the same. Typical careers include architects, accountants, lawyers, civil servants, managers, teachers, doctors, soldiers, engineers and transporters.

The middle class is generally politically and socially engaged, with a more conservative ideology. The middle class enjoys cultural activities within the arts and humanities, whilst recreational sports such as tennis, hockey, badminton and rugby are all staples of the Delamarian middle class. The middle class is disproportionately represented in politics, the media, academia and the arts.

Upper Middle Class

The upper middle class consists of wealthier families than the traditional middle class. While state education is used, private schools are preferred, and universities are almost unanimously used. The upper middle class take great advantage of Delamarian trust laws to ensure that generational wealth continues. Though generally poorer than the upper classes, the upper middle class often occupy senior business positions.