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. The working class have an income of £20-29,000 before taxes, and typically reside in state built housing.