About the Fabian Society


'The Fabian Society has played a central role for more than a century in the development of political ideas and public policy on the left of centre. Analysing the key challenges facing the UK and the rest of the industrialised world in a changing society and global economy, the society's programme aims to explore the political ideas and the policy reforms which will define progressive politics in the new century.

The society is unique among think-tanks in being a democratically-constituted membership organisation. It is affiliated to the Labour Party but is editorially and organisationally independent. Through its publications, seminars and conferences, the society provides an arena for open-minded public debate. '
(taken from http://fabians.org.uk/about-the-fabian-society)

CHAV

It seems UK leftist academics believe the white working class are victims of class hatred when labelled 'Chavs'.

http://fabians.org.uk/publications/extracts/chav-offensive

For those who don't know what/who 'chav' refers to:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chav



Nothing to do with this article: I can't remember where I read it, but recently I read that "Class Boundaries" in the UK are becoming fuzzy and more and more people are being categorised by religion rather than class.

So let me understand "chav" is a term used for uneducated young adults? I'm just trying to understand when people use this term who are they targeting specifically?

An interesting article PT, I haven't heard of Chavs yet.

Is VICKI POLLARD one?

I think it's a little sexist to single poor Vicki out. I can't find a male comical chav character, but these videos may redress the balance a little:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=JoQnOBGf6DQ

http://youtube.com/watch?v=FolrHmhwggo

Fast forward 30 years . . . I wonder if a Chav will ever reside in Downing Street (address of British Prime Minister for those not familiar with UK)

Of course one of the precursers to the "chav" was the "Essex Girl"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essex_girl

A negative portrayal of females again.

"Essex Man" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essex_man

So what terms (to describe certain sectors of society) are used in your country?

Actually I don't think we have special terms to describe social strata. Upper class was wiped out almost totally in communism, the rich and famous are not as flamboyant as the UK/US ones. Sure we have a huge number of poorly educated young adults due to several reforms of the system of education but they don't live off social welfare (not that they wouldn't like to - it's just that in Poland you are eligible for a year of 200€/month while a litre of petrol is about 1,60€), single mothers get something like 50€/months so it's not really a good deal to live off the state

Hi Peacetrain
I guess you listened to Jeremy Vine on Radio 2 !!!!

Anyone can listen again until next Tuesday.

Go to the website (below), in the centre is a list of presenters, click on Jeremy Vine, when his page opens, click on Wednesday (right hand side) to listen again.

You do need the BBC Radio Player which is downloadable free of charge and for listening live you can use Real Player.

It was a hot debate and worth a listen if you want to learn what is is all about and to hear two sides of the debate and listen to the ensuing argument.

BBC Radio 2

We really don't have any terms in the U.S. that we use to classify the younger generation or are less fortunate or poorly educated. Unless they are trouble makers, then "punk" comes to mind.