Class Ceiling: Why it Pays to be Privileged

In their book "The Class Ceiling: Why It Pays to Be Privileged," Friedman and Laurison explore the class pay gap in Britain's elite occupations, revealing that even when individuals from working-class backgrounds achieve prestigious jobs, they earn 16% less than their privileged colleagues. They argue that the book demands a serious consideration of both the glass and the class ceiling.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 28 January 2019
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Politicians often assert that anyone can achieve success, but is this truly the case? This groundbreaking and best-selling book takes readers on a behind-the-scenes journey into the exclusive world of elite employers, shedding light on the profound impact of class on one's ascent to the top. Friedman and Laurison reveal a stark class pay gap that exists within Britain's prestigious occupations. Despite individuals from working-class backgrounds securing coveted positions, they often earn, on average, 16% less than their privileged counterparts. However, the question remains: why is this the case? Through a comprehensive exploration of 175 interviews conducted across four case studies, including television, accountancy, architecture, and acting, the authors delve into the intricate barriers that hinder the upward mobility of individuals from lower social classes. This is a thought-provoking and ambitious book that urges us to examine not only the glass ceiling but also the formidable class ceiling that exists in our society.

Weight: 528g
Dimension: 148 x 223 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447336068