[This post was originally shared in r/TankieTheDeprogram. Since some people misunderstood the intent of the question, I’m reposting a slightly edited version here with a disclaimer to better clarify what I’m asking.]

DISCLAIMER: : I’m not suggesting there’s a single “working-class look” or that class can be determined by aesthetics. I’m interested in the assumptions people make about class based on appearance and presentation, and whether those assumptions are actually accurate.

I hope this isn’t too out of place, and that the flair fits. Maybe we even need a flair for fun questions.

Recently, one of my professors was surprised when I mentioned that I’m from a working-class background. My father went from being a victim of child labor, to working as a carpenter, and later as a cook; I however didn’t tell my professor the exact life of my father though or his profession.

Their reaction got me wondering: did something about the way I dress, style myself, or present myself not fit their idea of what someone from a working-class family looks like?

I usually wore like muted or neutral colours (black, olive, beige, dark navy sometimes light pink). I always had timberlands on. Wore makeup, and put my hair in a braid.

So, in the spirit of a little amateur Bourdieu, I’m curious:

  • What brands, clothing styles, hairstyles, makeup, or other aesthetic choices do you associate with the working class?

  • Do you think there are noticeable class markers today, or are they much weaker than people assume?

  • If you’re from a working-class family, have people ever been surprised to find that out?

  • Bonus question: how accurate or inaccurate do you think popular depictions of the children of cooks, tradespeople, factory workers, and other working-class people are?

Just for fun, share your experiences. What do you wear? Have people ever completely misread your class background?

  • DisabledAceSocialist@lemmygrad.mlEnglish
    7·
    18 days ago

    Being British I suppose a 20th century version of a working class outfit that comes to mind would be something involving flat caps, whereas in the 21st century it would be tracksuit bottoms. I was once in Waitrose, a posh expensive supermarket. I, at the time, was working as a carer for the elderly and was doing an old lady’s shopping because I certainly can’t afford to shop in Waitrose myself. I was unpacking the trolley onto the conveyor belt, and a very posh looking older woman was ahead of me. She looked me up and down, I wearing tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt, made a contemptuous face and said to the cashier, “not your average Waitrose customer.”