Our Manifesto

Our network addresses matters concerning social classes of the past and present. We bring together academic members from the arts, humanities and social sciences and institutions such as museums, libraries, galleries, connecting them with stakeholders in academia, politics, industry and members of the public. Our geographic scope is unlimited we started in Salford but seek to work with people across Britain and beyond.

Cultures of Class

The concept of class and of social hierarchy is strongly linked to social exclusion. We are therefore concerned with, concepts of class identity, consequences of underrepresentation of social groups, lack of opportunity and access, social bias, and cultural expressions. Our purpose is to supports and connect members across social boundaries. This is why it brings together policy makers, public institutions, community groups, academic researchers, activists and individuals. We promotes inclusivity, and support network activities (events, publications, research projects) that generate impactful outcomes (conferences, public events, journal, exhibitions, oral history and other innovative ways to create and engage). 

We are interested in how the term ‘class’ is interpreted and how this changed. We seek to investigate the diverse cultures that developed amongst different social categories and how these perpetuate or remove exclusion, inequalities and equality. 

Class in Great Britain

Class has deeply influenced British society for centuries, particularly since the industrial era. The Luddite uprising of the nineteenth century and trade union movements of the twentieth illustrate the ongoing impact of class on individuals’ roles in society, a trend that persists today. Britain has been home to influential thinkers on capitalism, like Adam Smith and David Ricardo, as well as philosophers such as Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, who documented and critiqued the realities of class division. 

Salford was central to Britain’s industrial revolution. Friedrich Engels’ 1845 book, The Condition of the Working Class in England, highlighted Salford as a quintessential industrial city, often characterised as a “classic slum” with severe housing issues and high crime rates. Despite these challenges, Salford responded creatively, opening Britain’s first publicly funded park in 1846 and establishing the first Play Streets in 1929 for child safety. The Working-Class Movement Library, inaugurated in 1987, showcases the city’s proud working-class heritage. With institutions like this library and the University of Salford dedicated to combating social inequity, and the city pursuing an urban renewal project, Salford is well-positioned to serve as a dynamic launchpad for a national network focused on advancing cultures of class. 

Goals and objectives

We will empower the creation of outputs on class-related questions and concerns. Our goal is to connect members through a range of ‘Interest Groups’ that are open to everyone. They are organised and led by individuals who define goals and grow memberships. Here members can discuss and research their chosen specific class-related topics (e.g. social inequality, provision of social housing, history of working-class women, class identity, etc) working to create whatever output they choose (for example articles, films, novels, songs or public events). 

To reflect this, the objectives of our network are: 

• to provide a structured framework for members to explore and address challenges faced by social classes today or historically, 

• to address gaps in current discourses and foster inclusive research and advocacy, 

• to encourage the exchange of ideas, provide contacts and information, 

• to establish links between members with similar interests and goals, and 

• to support the transition of research into non-traditional outputs accessible to a range of audiences. 

Impact

While Interest Groups pursue their own goals, the network connects all groups and provides opportunities for new groups to be developed. We provide a platform for exchange, collaboration and cocreation. Our main task is to stimulate connections across groups with the goal to overcome barriers to facilitate lines of communication beyond traditional focus groups. This has the potential to connect members seeking, for example, consultation, feedback on research findings, on how to inform policy makers, and on engagement with communities. 

Audience/Members

The network is open to all members of society. To encourage a wide membership and inclusivity, all communications will be made accessible, and grants will be available to support accessibility. The network grows through its Interest Groups, outputs, collaboration with members and by posting events and news on social and other media. 

Structure and Operation of the Network

To operate, this network is organised in four tiers:  

1. an operational level with managers focusing on public institutions (currently vacant), stakeholders and members of the public (Tanja Poppelreuter), researchers and universities (Nicholas Barnett), and a network manager (currently vacant). Managers have the oversight and interact regularly with Interest Groups. Together with the network manager, they distribute relevant information (e.g. calls for research grants, opportunities to publish, information on activities in other groups, etc.), 

2. a Board of Advisors that meets annually and that operates as a steering committee to determine the direction of the network, agree on new Interest Groups and on funding. 

3. Interest Groups which form the core of the network. They are organised by one or several leads who focus on a particular theme. The goal(s) for each group are self-determined. New groups are formed in that prospective group leads send an expression of interest to the network. This will be forwarded to the Board of Advisors. 

4. The network will seek to build income through grants and other public forms of support. The income generated will fund administration and help to support the Interest Groups through periodic funding rounds.  

Benefits for members

1. Diverse Membership:
   The network includes a wide range of members such as academics, institutions, and private individuals. This diversity fosters a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives, enhancing the overall quality and impact of the network’s activities. 

2. Networking and Collaboration:
   Members have access to networking opportunities across all Interest Groups. This can lead to funding, support for developing funding bids, and collaborative projects. This interconnectedness helps members leverage each other’s strengths and resources, leading to innovative and impactful outcomes. 

3. Innovative and Research Outputs:
   The network supports the creation of various outputs, including peer-reviewed papers, books, documentaries, podcasts, and graphic novels. We will offer workshops to support development of research, funding bids and maximizing impact. These outputs not only advance knowledge but also reach diverse audiences, demonstrating the network’s commitment to both academic excellence and public engagement. 

4. Autonomy and Support in Interest Groups:
   Members can join or form Interest Groups. These groups set their own goals, organize events, and grow their membership, providing a collaborative and supportive environment for pursuing specific interests and projects. 

5. End-to-End Research and Impact:
   The network connects information holders (e.g., archives), communities (e.g., oral history), and researchers. This collaboration ensures that all parties can see and benefit from the research outputs generated with their help. Additionally, it provides a platform for academics to showcase their work, and connecting it with stakeholders and communities.

This version of the network manifesto was written in May 2025 by

Tanja Poppelreuter

Nick Barnett

Alex Mitchell

Niki Colclough