Intelligence Squared
Know Your Place: Does Class Still Rule Britain? With Dr Faiza Shaheen
Nov 26, 2023
Dr. Faiza Shaheen, an academic and politician at NYU's Centre on International Cooperation, discusses the widening inequality in Britain, arguing that social mobility is in decline despite government claims. Together with Will Lloyd, a commissioning editor at the New Statesman, they critique the myth of meritocracy and highlight the barriers faced by working-class individuals. Shaheen offers a manifesto for change, advocating for a less hierarchical society and exploring necessary democratic reforms to foster genuine representation.
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Quick takeaways
- Social mobility perpetuates a hierarchy of worth and work, valuing wealth and certain professions over others.
- The current economic and educational structures in Britain do not allow for upward mobility, reinforcing societal inequalities and devaluing important professions like teaching and care work.
Deep dives
The Impact of Social Mobility in Britain
This podcast episode features Pfizer Shihin, a politician and academic, discussing her book 'Know Your Place' which highlights issues of class in Britain. Shihin shares her personal experiences, including a heated election campaign in 2019 where she faced harassment, and emphasizes the importance of speaking from the heart and providing hope in politics. She also addresses the concept of social mobility, revealing statistical evidence that challenges its effectiveness and argues for a society that offers opportunities and security to all individuals, regardless of their background.
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