The British elite, historically characterized by inherited wealth and elite education, continues to dominate key positions of power in the UK. Despite societal changes, private schools and prestigious universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge, still play a major role in shaping the nation's leaders. Interestingly, contemporary elites often downplay their privilege, presenting themselves as ordinary and self-made. This creates a disconnect between their actual privileged backgrounds and their public image.
Sociologists Sam Friedman and Aaron Reeves conducted interviews and analyzed data, revealing that the wealthiest 1% still maintain significant influence. Although there have been some advances in gender equality within elite circles, racial diversity remains minimal. The performance of ordinariness helps elites gain public sympathy, yet it masks deeper political and social differences between them and the general population.
Ultimately, the pathways to elite status—through family wealth, exclusive schools, and top universities—have remained largely unchanged for over a century.
Vocabulary:
• Elite: A small, privileged group with a lot of power or wealth.
• Wealth: A large amount of money or valuable possessions.
• Meritocratic: A system where success is based on ability and effort rather than wealth or social class.
• Probate: The official process of proving that a will (a document stating who gets a person's belongings after they die) is valid.
• Privilege: A special right or advantage available only to a particular person or group.
Source: LSE