In Australia, we like to believe we are a class-less society – not one lacking in class, of course, but one that doesn’t relegate a person to a particular category based on their family history or wealth.
Despite this, new research shows we are “surprisingly willing to identify ourselves as members of one class or another” and has set out to identify the unique classes of our fair nation.
ANU academics, Dr Jill Sheppard and Dr Nicholas Biddle surveyed 1200 Australians not just on what they had (their economic position) but what they did with their money (their cultural habits) and who they spent time with (their social networks). Their parents’ “professional prestige” was also considered.
Their research identified five distinct classes is Australia, which are outlined below. Interestingly, this is less than have been found in a similar study in the UK, where seven classes emerged. This led the researchers to the conclusion that “class defines our society less than it does British society”.
Another interesting thing to note is that despite the emergence of five distinct groups, most of the participants identified as middle or working class, with only 2 per cent considering themselves “upper class”.
The five classes of Australia
So where do you fit in? Based on this research, the ABC has developed a quick survey that will put you in your place (so to speak!) Take the test here and tell us if you agree with the outcome.
Do you think Australia is a class-based society or are we truly the land of the “fair go”? Share your thoughts below.