Unraveling the white working-class conundrum: A closer look at its utility and pitfalls

Abstract

The term “white working-class” has emerged as a focal point in recent discourse, igniting fervent debates around its usage and purpose. Critics like Gillborn have contended that the term, often wielded by right-leaning academics and commentators, artificially segregates the working-class. In this article I seek to understand this, and other criticisms raised in relation to the rise of populism, which have been aimed at the usage and purpose of the term “white working-class”. By weighing these criticisms against one another and acknowledging the intersectionality inherent in class formation, I propose a more specific and limited application of the term that I think better aligns with scholarly pursuits and helps to mitigate some of these critics core concerns around the term’s overgeneralisation in-particular. Thus, while I also acknowledge that the term “white working-class” ignites debate, it can also unveil intricate social realities, as evidence from Skeggs and Reay suggest. It must ultimately be employed judiciously to avoid sidelining the struggles of other marginalised groups within the class. Balancing its use with caution is essential to harness its potential without undermining the broader context of class-based issues that affect individuals from all backgrounds.