Survey reveals 'polyclass' identity and persistent wellbeing gap in UK social mobility

A survey conducted by research firm Attest has found that more than a third of Britons believe they have changed their social class, challenging traditional perceptions of rigid social stratification. The study, which polled 2,000 participants, revealed that upper-middle and upper-class individuals are the most likely to identify with multiple social categories simultaneously. Researchers have coined the term 'polyclass' to describe approximately 6 million people who consider themselves to belong to more than one class at once.

In contrast, working-class respondents were the least likely to report class mobility. The data showed that 70% of working-class participants felt they remained in the same social category into which they were born. Professor Dominic Abrams of the University of Kent noted that traditional categorisations, such as the ABC1 system, are becoming less useful as class boundaries blur. He observed that the supposed alignment between class and political parties is breaking down, making older metrics less effective for understanding contemporary social attitudes.

The survey highlighted significant generational differences, with millennials being particularly likely to report class shifts. Almost half of this demographic stated they had become a different class or identified as belonging to multiple categories. Professor Abrams suggested that those with the resources to move around socially are increasingly able to navigate these fluid identities, whereas working-class individuals often maintain more enduring cultural roots and stable community ties.

Despite the perception of increased mobility, the research uncovered an entrenched sensitivity regarding social standing. Nearly half of all respondents reported feeling judged for their class, with most ranking social class as a more significant factor in how they are perceived than age, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. While working-class individuals were more likely to alter their behaviour or speech to fit into professional groups, a significant third reported never feeling the need to change to accommodate other social environments.

Separate research from the Sutton Trust underscores the limitations of social mobility in guaranteeing life satisfaction. The trust identified a 'happiness gap', finding that working-class individuals who achieve higher-status jobs do not fully catch up with their middle- or upper-class peers in terms of wellbeing. People from working-class backgrounds were found to be a third more likely to experience low wellbeing than those from professional backgrounds, even after upward mobility.

The Sutton Trust report indicated that those from affluent backgrounds are better protected against the negative wellbeing effects of downward mobility, likely due to financial safety nets. Nick Harrison, chief executive of the Sutton Trust, stated that while social mobility improves lives, it does not always guarantee happiness. He argued that long-term wellbeing is shaped by where an individual starts, influenced by factors such as family ties, education, and community support rather than just pay or property.