Who the Establishment is changes over time. It's the people and groups with power and influence. I read an article some time ago about the tussle then ongoing in the Conservative party and beyond, but particularly noticeable in the Conservatives between the two "establishments". These were described as Liberal v Conservative. Both economically liberal so believing in free markets, small government, low taxation etc. The Liberal establishment was socially as well as economically liberal, supporting gay marriage, women priests, immigration, human rights, some green issues, LTNs etc. The Conservative establishment was concerned with protecting British identity, traditions and pushing back against the socially Liberal views that had became part of the mainstream. The Conservative tendency was represented within that party by Liz Truss and there was great excitement at getting her into Office and frustration, disappointment when it all went wrong. Interestingly there was no mention of a socialist or left wing establishment. That would be one believing in wealth redistribution, the power of government to intervene to deliver a better country / society, public ownership of key infrastructure and services etc. The BBC was identified as being part of the Liberal establishment, so economically and socially Liberal.The sources of power that existed when there was socialist or left wing influence, mainly the Trade Unions, Labour MPs who came up from the Unions, don't exist anymore. With the demise of any socialist influence, many of the things that the post war generation or baby boomers enjoyed has gone. Decent pensions, employers paying to train you, cheap housing, cheap utility costs and fares, well maintained public realm.When ordinary people couldn't vote and had no power or influence, life for most was grim. Power and money was concentrated at the top.When ordinary people could vote and acquired some power and influence they used it initially to get a fairer share of the Country's wealth, particularly after the second world war. By the 60's and into the 80s it felt like a process that would go on and on and couldn't be reversed. We were better off than our parents, surely that would continue down the generations. Seems the saying about power conceding noting without demand can be extrapolated to, when you no longer have the power to demand, they'll take it all back.
Kathleen Healy ● 16d