ABSTRACT

Claims that their country has an emerging underclass have been repudiated by a series of British sociologists (see specifically Byrne 1995; Gallie 1994; Mann 1992; Marshall et al. 1996; Morris 1992, 1994; Morris and Irwin 1992). Some of its critics, who are represented in other chapters of this book, would clearly like to consign the underclass concept to oblivion. This is unlikely to happen because the quality of the critics’ evidence and arguments does not match their quantity and ferocity. The underclass is likely to remain one of British sociology’s most hotly contested issues for many years. It is an issue on which many protagonists have feelings as well as ideas. This generates an atmosphere in which misunderstandings easily arise. So it may be useful to point out that the above sentences do not support the underclass hypothesis; judging the denials unconvincing is not the same as joining the other side of the argument. Most of those prepared to countenance the idea of an underclass, including the present author, claim no more than that its creation is probable given broader socio-economic trends and conditions.