Symeon Brown's new book, 'The Good, the Black and the Boujee', suggests that class is a central, yet often overlooked, element in conversations about race in Britain. Brown argues that despite increased Black representation in politics and culture, class distinctions are crucial to understanding progress and challenges.
Brown interviewed around 1,500 Black middle-class individuals about their education, employment, and social values. His findings indicate that the assumption of Black Britons being working class has obscured the disproportionate middle-class background of those who achieve positions of power.
The research revealed that nearly one in four Black professionals surveyed had attended a fee-paying school. Of these, 72% had their fees paid directly by their parents, challenging the common perception of scholarship recipients.
Brown highlights that Black politicians often possess more elite credentials than their white counterparts, citing examples such as David Lammy, Kwasi Kwarteng, and Miatta Fahnbulleh. He suggests that while representation has grown, it has brought limited collective benefit, as these individuals may primarily represent their class interests.