The clout of the British aristocracy

Résumé du document

The British aristocracy is known worldwide, not only because of its prestigious past, but also for all its special ways of life. Many stereotypes can briefly define them: they have a great economic power, they are important actors in the British political life, and they have very specific habits or hobbies which make them feel like a class apart. That's because of all those preconceived ideas that people are interested in them all around the world.We wanted to go over those preconceived ideas and clichés in order to find the real reasons that justify the clout of the present day British Aristocracy. This topic is very up to date since, today more than ever, the importance given to this top social class is very debatable. Although the British aristocracy has succeeded in remaining a ruling class in the British society, nothing can be sure about its position for the times to come. To fulfil this mission, we have tried to analyze how the Aristocracy managed to be a part of the Upper Class, and how it has managed to retain its privileges and influence till today. Then, we wanted to see on the one hand, how the Aristocrats see themselves in the present day society and on the other hand, how they are seen by the rest of the population.

Extraits

[...] To maintain his power on his territory, the lord had to “translate his ultimate possession (his ‘sovereignty') into effective control”[3], that is to separate the producer from his day-to-day control over the land by resorting to force and compulsion in order to appropriate the ‘surplus' produce, i.e. the ‘rent' or the right to use the land. That was the major income, and the only tool for the aristocrats to maintain their social domination. The growth of the population and the development of huge markets made it necessary for Britain to produce more. This led to higher output and higher land values. The landholders greatly benefited from this to purchase land and built large domains[4]. [...]

[...] As a result, the former PM wanted to create a fairer world for all to promote meritocracy which is more efficient: want changes to produce across the whole of this country a genuinely classless society so people can rise to whatever level from whatever level they started”[35]. Today also, Tony Blair is trying to reform the current British social structure and a New Establishment, with more self made men is rising[36]. As a consequence, although ‘noblesse oblige', one should notice the obvious decline of the British Aristocracy. Conclusion Although it has lost a part of its clout, the British aristocracy is still powerful today. [...]

[...] ‘Nouveaux riches' should always defer to members of old titled families even if they are richer and more powerful. Wealth is not the only reference, and it takes generations for families to establish themselves in upper class networks[22]. In a way, the aristocrats sitting in the House of Lords are proud of being a part of one of the oldest British political institutions which has succeeded in adapting itself to the evolution of the British society. Thus, they consider themselves as a modern component of the British political system. [...]

[...] In addition, it's important to remember that the notion of ‘gentleman' was in fact the code of conduct of the Aristocracy. Many people in Britain, and even throughout the world, still consider this as a characteristic of the British Aristocracy. It does not only symbolize the prestige and education, but it has also influence the whole society. The ‘gentleman' is still a reference for not only the people who want to enter the Upper class networks, but also for the whole society. [...]

[...] Indeed, aristocracy is hereditary through blood: high social prestige, title, land and sometimes positions are transferred on a hereditary basis. That's why marriage between aristocratic families is very common. Moreover, the primogeniture can be seen as a fundamental element to keep the titles in place. It is according to David Cannadine, a famous British historian, Director of the University of London's Institute of Historical Research and author of The Fall and Decline of the British Aristocracy, big part of defining the British aristocracy”[17]. Part Two: How The Aristocrats See Themselves The Aristocracy based its economic importance on landownership. [...]