Part of a series of events on class relations in the UK today. For information on the whole series of events for Rethinking Class in the 21st Century, see here.

ARE LABELS LIKE ‘WORKING CLASS’ AND ‘MIDDLE CLASS’ STILL RELEVANT TODAY? Dan Evans with Tom Gann

Class has been a definitive aspect of British society for centuries. But are the lines which distinguish the working, middle and upper classes as clear-cut as they once were? In the seminal new book A Nation of Shopkeepers: The Unstoppable Rise of the Petty Bourgeoisie Dan Evans explores this misunderstood and politically influential demographic which exists between the working and middle classes. Marx argued that the petty bourgeoisie, composed of small business owners, landlords, self-employed tradespeople and artisans, would disappear. However, the opposite has happened. Not only does this class continue to grow, it has been an important force within many major political movements in recent memory, including Brexit, Trump, Sanders, Corbyn and The Arab Spring.

How might we come to better understand the class categories and their political impulses in our world today? Dan will be in conversation with Tom Gann covering these ideas and more; talking about his book, the contemporary class system and what we might be able to do next.

Tom Gann is a founding editor of New Socialist, a magazine that aims to provide critical and constructive perspectives on socialist politics, culture and theory. He is also a writer and researcher on topics such as class, populism, ecology and urbanism, and has written extensively on the history and challenges of the British left.

**Please note: these events will NOT be taking place at Housmans, but at a nearby events space, the St Pancras & Somers Town Living Centre, directly behind the British Library, and adjoining the Francis Crick Institute**

Ticket Information

If you’d like a copy of Dan Evans’ book A Nation of Shopkeepers: The Unstoppable Rise of the Petty Bourgeoisie then choose the book plus entry ticket: this ticket includes free entry to this event. If you’d like to support Housmans then please choose a solidarity ticket. If you are short on funds, please email us to gain free entry.