I watched "Q&A" last night (4/23/2018) on the ABC
and was quite surprised to learn the various opinions
that people had regarding our supposedly "egalitarian"
society.

Are we a classless society?

If not, how many classes do we have, and to what class do
you feel that you belong?

Your thoughts please.

I listened to a series of broadcasts on Radio National. It seems that we have 5 classes. The podcasts are still available. Interesting listening.

Thanks ttbn,

I wasn't aware of these breakdowns until I watched
the program on the ABC. I'm not sure what class I
would qualify to belong to. I'm not retired yet,
but I only work part-time. I'm certainly not rich.

Maybe I need to take the survey that ANU apparently
has.

Not sure.

Foxy,

If you want to listen to the programme on RN, enter 'Class Act' in the podcast area. It's not just about what you do for a living. I've been retired for 18 years, so I'm probably classless. Untouchable? I don't care.I always thought that I was probably lower middle class. Did you know that India outlawed their caste system in 1950. Next time you see an Indian person with a daub of paint, you will know it doesn't really mean a thing.

Dear ttbn,

Thanks for that.

I don't quite get this "class" business at all.

So I'll have to delve more into it. One of my other
brothers has recently retired and they've bought a
caravan and are now part of the "grey nomads," travelling
around the country for a bit. They're loving it.
Not sure which class they'd belong to though.

ttbn,

The daub of paint is a tilak, a mark worn by a Hindu on the forehead to indicate caste, status, or sect, or as an ornament; and it has meaning for millions of indians.
It is also worn by many non-Hindus to indicate married status, so don't treat it lightly.

In India Dowry and Caste are both are thriving and don't look to disappear in the near or very far future.
Have a look at Indian marriage ads, youll see that Caste gets a mention in most of them.
Here's a small selection:
http://www.scoopwhoop.com/news/wtf-matrimony/#.wwu2t0wma

When I'm in India I get classified automatically, I'm considered Kshatrya, which is the highest of the four basic caste groups, it is the ruling or military caste.

Asfor Caste being outlawed,
"New developments took place after India achieved independence, when the policy of caste-based reservation of jobs was formalised with lists of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Since 1950, the country has enacted many laws and social initiatives to protect and improve the socioeconomic conditions of its lower caste population. These caste classifications for college admission quotas, job reservations and other affirmative action initiatives, according to the Supreme Court of India, are based on heredity and are not changeable. Discrimination against lower castes is illegal in India under Article 15 of its constitution, and India tracks violence against Dalits nationwide."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caste_system_in_India