How do we smash the class ceiling?
Why working class people don’t get the best jobs.
An episode of the Beyond Today podcast, hosted by BBC Radio 4, titled "How do we smash the class ceiling?" was published on August 2, 2019 and runs 22 minutes.
August 2, 2019 ·22m · Beyond Today
Summary
Improving social mobility has been a key pledge of successive governments with politicians promising to create a meritocracy in Britain. However, research shows time and time again that the best-paid and most influential jobs still go to those from privileged backgrounds while the working classes aren’t getting ahead… even if they’re better candidates for the position. So, why is class the last big barrier to getting a top job? In this episode we speak to broadcaster Amol Rajan about his documentary following working-class graduates attempting to break into elite professions, and his own experience of going from a south London state school to being the BBC’s media editor. Dr Sam Friedman explains why it pays to be privileged in the workplace and tries to find a solution to Britain’s class problem. Producers: Lucy Hancock and Alicia Burrell. Mixed by Nicolas Raufast. Editor: Philly Beaumont.
Episode Description
Improving social mobility has been a key pledge of successive governments with politicians promising to create a meritocracy in Britain. However, research shows time and time again that the best-paid and most influential jobs still go to those from privileged backgrounds while the working classes aren’t getting ahead… even if they’re better candidates for the position. So, why is class the last big barrier to getting a top job? In this episode we speak to broadcaster Amol Rajan about his documentary following working-class graduates attempting to break into elite professions, and his own experience of going from a south London state school to being the BBC’s media editor. Dr Sam Friedman explains why it pays to be privileged in the workplace and tries to find a solution to Britain’s class problem. Producers: Lucy Hancock and Alicia Burrell. Mixed by Nicolas Raufast. Editor: Philly Beaumont.
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