We reject the narratives that separate us. Our aim is to tell a new story—one that brings together people from all walks of life, across race, gender, and geography, around shared struggles and shared solutions. Through research, focus groups, interviews, and national surveys, we have built a clearer, more inclusive narrative that reflects the true nature of inequality in Britain today.

We’re committed to equipping activists, community leaders, and anyone fighting for justice with the tools to combat divisive messaging. Our resources are designed to empower people to talk about race, class, and inequality with confidence, moving beyond the rhetoric that seeks to keep us apart.

The new narrative we offer is rooted in lived experiences, shaped by those who have been directly impacted by these systems of oppression. It’s time to break the cycle of division and build solidarity for a fairer, more just society.

Contributors

The UK Race Class Narrative project began in 2020, born out of the confluence of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising inequalities, Brexit, and growing anti-immigration sentiment. During this period, “working class” was increasingly weaponized as a white cultural minority, portrayed as victims of immigration and social progress in racial and gender equality. This narrative deliberately obscured the issues of inequality, power, wealth, and oppression in this country. While certain politicians and pundits frequently discuss the “white working class,” working-class migrants and people of color are rarely, if ever, acknowledged by their class.

Recognizing the need for a new way to talk about race and class, the UK Race Class Narrative built upon previous research collaborations between the Centre for Labour and Social Studies (CLASS) and the Runnymede Trust, to carry out novel research with the support of ASO Communications. The OG Race Class Narrative was first developed in 2017 in the United States (for more>>). With the support of ASO Communications, we at CLASS, adapted their proven methodology to the UK Context. The project was overseen by an advisory board of representatives from a wide range of organizations. Today, the research is used in various forms by the research team, as well as  training conducted by NEON. 

This website aims to make the research freely available to everyone, allowing others to build upon and utilize these findings for meaningful change.

This project was supported by

NEU, ASLEF, BFAWU, CWU, GFTU, GMB, NUM, NUT, PCS, TSSA, UCU and Unite the Union,  the Robert Bosch Foundation, Unbound, Barrow Cadbury Fund