The Importance of Class Status in British Society as Depicted in Britis

The Importance of Class Status in British Society as Depicted in British SitcomsFocusing on British sitcoms as a genre of study, superstar can infer m any different levels in the structure of British society. Of particular participation is the levelification of the characters into their social relegatees. In Porridge, Fletcher is seen as a working ground level convict who is confined to his outer space in society. However, within his incarceration a hierarchy among his colleagues is also apparent. Satisfied with his place at the top of this indicator structure, Fletcher continually maneuvers himself to improve his feel without the ability to leave his social stratum. In contrast to Fletchers contentment is the character of Harold in Steptoe and Son. As a rag and bone man, Harold occupies one of the least respected jobs and, therefore, one of the last(a) social statuses in society. Irritation with his rank propels Harold into trying to better his life however, he is unsucces sful. Because Harolds ability to improve himself is dependent on intelligence, which he defines as upward mobility on the social ladder, his ignorance prevents him from ever leaving his categorize status. By comparing the homes of Fletcher and Harold, we will examine the question of why Fletcher is qualified to make small advances (even though the cyclical cycle of sitcoms does not book for permanent change), while Harold is denied any advancement.Fletcher and his viewers easily accept his place as a convict because background information suggests that porridge life, or prison house life, is normal for Fletcher. His characters main role and source of desire are his continually successful attempts to undermine the authorities and receive the beat treatment possible. In the episode enti... ...se he cannot disrupt society any more than he already has, while an upward movement by Harold may reveal a sign of weakness in the class distinctions of the viewers. In addition to viewers from a higher class flavour down upon Harold, one must also consider that those within his class may disapprove of his attempt to change positions in society. Therefore, when analyzing a situation comedy and considering a characters attempt to shift from one social class to another, one must recognize the unfair restrictions set on the characters, and the implications that movement may have for the viewers.Works Cited Storry, Mike and hawkshaw Childs eds. British Cultural Identities. New York Routedge, 1997.A Day Out Porridge. British broadcasting Company. BBC. 26 September 1974.A Star is Born. Steptoe and Son. British Broadcasting Company. BBC. 28 February 1972.