What do you think?
Rate this book
Outspoken
Split: Class Divides Uncovered
In 1990, John Major hailed 'the classless society'; in 1997, New Labour announced that 'we're all middle class now', yet we live in an age where food banks, pay day lenders and zero-hour contracts proliferate: it's clear that class matters.
Foregrounding the economic nature of class, Split challenges the idea that class can be reduced to the cultural. From precarious labour to rising debt; from the housing crisis to environmental catastrophe; from an inflated prison population to the welfare state; Ben Tippet traces the class divide at the heart of all exploitation. Myth-busting meritocracy, he exposes the role that tax havens, colonialism and inheritance play in the wealth of the elite.
Split highlights the potential for a diverse and eclectic working-class bloc to fight back in an age of austerity and uncertainty.
Foregrounding the economic nature of class, Split challenges the idea that class can be reduced to the cultural. From precarious labour to rising debt; from the housing crisis to environmental catastrophe; from an inflated prison population to the welfare state; Ben Tippet traces the class divide at the heart of all exploitation. Myth-busting meritocracy, he exposes the role that tax havens, colonialism and inheritance play in the wealth of the elite.
Split highlights the potential for a diverse and eclectic working-class bloc to fight back in an age of austerity and uncertainty.
132 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2020
11 people are currently reading
1000 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 15, 2020
This book is a whistle stop tour into how class and the injustice that arises from the class system permeates throughout our society. It starts by looking at how Billy Elliot is almost propaganda and goes on to use many other excellent examples of how society doesn't work for everyone. It's doesn't go into great depth on each subject, but if you want this then no doubt you can find other books that will give you excruciating depth. In fact there is a categorised recommended reading list in the back for if you want to do just this.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, it's accessible and very relatable for most people. If you finish it and you're not angry with the system, then you're probably a CEO or Conservative cabinet minister. You're also probably part of the problem.
For everyone else in society, I would definitely recommend this book.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, it's accessible and very relatable for most people. If you finish it and you're not angry with the system, then you're probably a CEO or Conservative cabinet minister. You're also probably part of the problem.
For everyone else in society, I would definitely recommend this book.
September 22, 2020
Hats off to Ben Tippet because he's done a wonderful job of providing both a basic overview of some key concepts related to the class system, as well as providing sufficient case studies to delve a bit deeper. Obviously, given the size, it lacks the scope to give a real meaty analysis of class-related issues. But he's done a great job with the brief. It's an excellent pocket size book for the casual reader who has an interest in politics. Probably not much in there that's particularly original but the collation of thoughts and topics against a more socially progressive backdrop (old marxists hate to talk about other intersections!), is riveting and refreshing.
Worth a read.
Worth a read.
September 9, 2021
just felt like i needed more from this one; maybe more examples/stories about the topic. not really into reading deep analysis of issues so wasnt able to focus much while reading this one.
still interesting though to have a book that focuses on class system ((i think this is the first time i encountered one??)) bc its really an important topic to talk about & it even reminded me of the movie "parasite".
its a short read and probably would help to gain a greater understanding to some readers. unfortunately not really much of the case for me - might probably give a reread when i have the time.
still interesting though to have a book that focuses on class system ((i think this is the first time i encountered one??)) bc its really an important topic to talk about & it even reminded me of the movie "parasite".
its a short read and probably would help to gain a greater understanding to some readers. unfortunately not really much of the case for me - might probably give a reread when i have the time.
October 12, 2024
Pretty basic stuff about a bunch a randomly picked subjects. The last chapter seemed like a failed attempt to wrap things up in a few words. It also clearly showed how the author had decided to present a limited view of what could be done about what people can actually do (I mean, really? Join a union, stay educated and take it to the streets?? These are the three things you would advise your supposedly "young people you've talked to"? What about trying to join a political party? What about joining a local charity? What about campaigning? What about getting into the system to try to change the system? What about exposing the powerful and the elite through research, journalism, etc.?)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2023
Very good introduction into the meaning of class in the modern age and a lot of interesting references. I really liked the writing style and I felt like every chapter was logically structured and the book covered many subtopics in a concise but impactful way.
January 12, 2021
bardzo dobrze i rzetelnie napisane podsumowanie różnych pojęć dotyczących klasy (głównie na przykładzie wielkiej brytanii), tego jak klasa powiązana jest z rasą, czy historii o anty-kapitalizmie. książka mimo swoich małych rozmiarów ma w sobie dużo treści i w jej napisanie musiało zostać włożone sporo pracy (i dobrego researchu). bardzo podobało mi się też, że autor na końcu poleca kilka książek, rozwijających poruszone przez niego tematy.
January 3, 2021
This book was recommended by a very good friend of mine, and I am really glad that I read it. It challenges some assumptions you may have about class, and its relationship to other parts of society like race, the welfare state and the environment.
It also reveals several little facts throughout, some unrelated to class at first glance, that might surprise you. For example, did you know that the drink Fanta came out of Nazi Germany and their inability to get the syrups used to make Coca-Cola?
When talking to my friend about the book, I was saying how much I didn't know or didn't really think about, assuming, as is said in the book, that class is quite an outdated idea. He said something that really got me thinking - there has been a successful campaign to prevent people really examining where society is at. The idea that "we're all middle class now" has dulled critical thinking and actually exacerbated inequality. It's an intriguing idea and one that I've attempted to mull over, I'm not sure how successfully.
I think that's what this book does very successfully - it encourages you to rethink what you thought you knew, and maybe it might change your mind about a few things, I know it has for me.
It also reveals several little facts throughout, some unrelated to class at first glance, that might surprise you. For example, did you know that the drink Fanta came out of Nazi Germany and their inability to get the syrups used to make Coca-Cola?
When talking to my friend about the book, I was saying how much I didn't know or didn't really think about, assuming, as is said in the book, that class is quite an outdated idea. He said something that really got me thinking - there has been a successful campaign to prevent people really examining where society is at. The idea that "we're all middle class now" has dulled critical thinking and actually exacerbated inequality. It's an intriguing idea and one that I've attempted to mull over, I'm not sure how successfully.
I think that's what this book does very successfully - it encourages you to rethink what you thought you knew, and maybe it might change your mind about a few things, I know it has for me.
May 31, 2020
I loved this book! It was incisive, clear and concise. I bought this book because I heard the author on a podcast and thought he was both interesting and a good storyteller. His book reaffirmed this. Using modern references, he shows the reader how class-bias and exploitation weaves itself through British history and in society today.
While only ~130 pages, he covers topics well such as education, global inequalities, housing and race. He offers a great list of resources if you want to read further.
Thoroughly enjoyed this and will be recommending it for a long time! ☺️
While only ~130 pages, he covers topics well such as education, global inequalities, housing and race. He offers a great list of resources if you want to read further.
Thoroughly enjoyed this and will be recommending it for a long time! ☺️
September 5, 2021
Berdasarkan wawancara Warren Buffet dengan New York Times tahun 2019. "Saya takut sistem kapitalis akan menyakiti banyak orang." Jika tujuan kapitalisme adalah untuk menghasilkan kelas pekerja yang produktif sepanjang waktu, maka orang-orang di dunia ini hanya terbagi ke dalam dua golongan, produktif dan kurang produktif. Hal ini selaras dengan apa yang penulis kemukakan di awal: biarkan miliarder menciptakan kekayaan terlebih dahulu dan setelah mereka melakukan keajaiban mereka, kita dapat menggunakan kebijakan, perpajakan dan pemberian amal untuk memastikan bahwa kekayaan ini didistribusikan kembali kepada mereka yang kalah.
Pekerjaan adalah pertukaran. Pekerja menukar waktu mereka guna mendapat upah. Menukar waktu pun tidak terjadi begitu saja. Ada keahlian dan usaha yang dikerahkan. Kelas pekerja, sebagai namanya, adalah orang-orang yang perlu bekerja untuk hidup. Tidak bekerja, ya tidak hidup. Pengertian seperti ini tidak keliru, tapi terlalu tumpul.
Sisi positifnya, kita akan melihat kelas pekerja sebagai jantung perekonomian negara. Makin terorganisir kelas pekerja ini, jantung perekonomian negara semakin stabil. Namun, jika melihat golongan kelas pekerja yang tidak bisa disamaratakan, bisa dipecah ke dalam beberapa tingkatan lagi, rasanya konteks seperti ini kurang tepat. Belum lagi jika memecahnya berdasarkan ras, jenis kelamin, dan tingkat pendidikan.
Bintang empat untuk studi kasus yang digali secara dalam.
Pekerjaan adalah pertukaran. Pekerja menukar waktu mereka guna mendapat upah. Menukar waktu pun tidak terjadi begitu saja. Ada keahlian dan usaha yang dikerahkan. Kelas pekerja, sebagai namanya, adalah orang-orang yang perlu bekerja untuk hidup. Tidak bekerja, ya tidak hidup. Pengertian seperti ini tidak keliru, tapi terlalu tumpul.
Sisi positifnya, kita akan melihat kelas pekerja sebagai jantung perekonomian negara. Makin terorganisir kelas pekerja ini, jantung perekonomian negara semakin stabil. Namun, jika melihat golongan kelas pekerja yang tidak bisa disamaratakan, bisa dipecah ke dalam beberapa tingkatan lagi, rasanya konteks seperti ini kurang tepat. Belum lagi jika memecahnya berdasarkan ras, jenis kelamin, dan tingkat pendidikan.
Bintang empat untuk studi kasus yang digali secara dalam.
February 2, 2021
3,5 stars.
Begini, buku ini sebenernya menarik tapi insight yang dikasih sama penulisnya itu menurut gue bukan hal-hal baru yang selama ini ga kita ketahui. Gender pay gap, racism, dan hal-hal lainnya menyangkut perekonomian yang terlihat sama mata kita.
Tapi ilmu yang gue ambil dari buku ini adalah soal situasi kelas dan ekonomi di Britania Raya. Kalau gue ambil kesimpulan nih, di Inggris sana sepertinya agak lebih berat mengenai perbedaan gaji antara perempuna dan laki-laki, apalagi kalau udah bawa-bawa ras. Gue masih kurang pengetahuan soal suku/ras ini di Indonesia situasinya gimana sih, tapi selama ini jarang lihat/denger berita-berita penangkapan kejahatan atau perbedaan gaji karena suku/ras.
Mungkin kalau kalian ada yang punya rekomendasi soal suku/ras di Indonesia, boleh info-info ya hihi kepo juga...
Ada beberapa point yang sebenernya gue ga setuju di buku ini. Tapi ga besar banget sih, jadi yaudah ya ga perlu di bagi-bagi :"
Anyway,
Gue suka banget sama seri buku ini. Setelah sebelumnya gue menghabiskan Mask Off, gue sekarang mau lanjut baca Behind Closed Doors. Cussss~
Begini, buku ini sebenernya menarik tapi insight yang dikasih sama penulisnya itu menurut gue bukan hal-hal baru yang selama ini ga kita ketahui. Gender pay gap, racism, dan hal-hal lainnya menyangkut perekonomian yang terlihat sama mata kita.
Tapi ilmu yang gue ambil dari buku ini adalah soal situasi kelas dan ekonomi di Britania Raya. Kalau gue ambil kesimpulan nih, di Inggris sana sepertinya agak lebih berat mengenai perbedaan gaji antara perempuna dan laki-laki, apalagi kalau udah bawa-bawa ras. Gue masih kurang pengetahuan soal suku/ras ini di Indonesia situasinya gimana sih, tapi selama ini jarang lihat/denger berita-berita penangkapan kejahatan atau perbedaan gaji karena suku/ras.
Mungkin kalau kalian ada yang punya rekomendasi soal suku/ras di Indonesia, boleh info-info ya hihi kepo juga...
Ada beberapa point yang sebenernya gue ga setuju di buku ini. Tapi ga besar banget sih, jadi yaudah ya ga perlu di bagi-bagi :"
Anyway,
Gue suka banget sama seri buku ini. Setelah sebelumnya gue menghabiskan Mask Off, gue sekarang mau lanjut baca Behind Closed Doors. Cussss~
November 8, 2022
I liked it but honestly I did not get much out of this book. Partly because I have already read many books from his reading list so I was familiar with these ideas and even though I would love to read/listen a further analysis of them, this book briefly makes reference to them so it couldn't satisfy my need. However, I learned some things I didn't know. For instance, the first chapter is really interesting and it was the first time hearing about the Marikana strike and massacre. On another note, I would have liked the culture to play a bigger role in the discourse around class division. Of course it was mentioned and shortly analyzed but I don't believe that its role was fairly assessed. Especially nowadays.
All in all, it felt like a very interesting long podcast. So, I would def recommend it to people who haven't read many similar books or cannot concentrate/have the time to read all the lengthy books on class, race and so on. They will get an idea of the argument and if interested, they can search for more on their own.
Also the resources/reading list in the end is a very nice idea!
All in all, it felt like a very interesting long podcast. So, I would def recommend it to people who haven't read many similar books or cannot concentrate/have the time to read all the lengthy books on class, race and so on. They will get an idea of the argument and if interested, they can search for more on their own.
Also the resources/reading list in the end is a very nice idea!
March 5, 2021
The book starts really well, it interested me and was informative. The more I read the more I felt like the author was waffling and repeating the same ideas in other words and with other examples. The examples in the book were interesting but I would've preferred if he presented more, just as context. The book is brief on the subject but I noted a lot of companies, scandals, news, movements, etc. for further research. It was a good starting point to understand the issues around us.
In some chapters, he had a conclusion written at the end of the chapter but in some, he didn't which made it slightly annoying.
The repeating and waffling made finishing this book and being interested throughout, hard. In the final 3 chapters, I read I kept zoning out as I felt he was saying the same thing again and again. The examples were the only thing that kept me from abandoning this book. That is so I can further research for more historical context.
Overall I would recommend the book but only as a starting point and as light, occasional reading.
In some chapters, he had a conclusion written at the end of the chapter but in some, he didn't which made it slightly annoying.
The repeating and waffling made finishing this book and being interested throughout, hard. In the final 3 chapters, I read I kept zoning out as I felt he was saying the same thing again and again. The examples were the only thing that kept me from abandoning this book. That is so I can further research for more historical context.
Overall I would recommend the book but only as a starting point and as light, occasional reading.
June 25, 2021
In the 21st century people’s understanding and perceptions of what class is and what class they or anyone else belongs to has become so confused by the way that society has changed. The landscape of work that we experience is so different to what it was 40 years ago and even more so to 150 years ago. Tippet’s book does an excellent job of simplifying class in a way that is relevant to everyone.
Though it doesn’t go into great depth, it covers all the biggest intersections class and, most importantly, ties them all together. Everyone’s life is shaped by their relationship to the economy. This can vary in different ways depending on our race, gender, sexuality, where we are from, but ultimately we all experience it. Realising that all these forms of oppression have their roots in class, and that fighting back against it can improve all of our lives is the first step to regaining autonomy over our own destinies and living more fulfilled lives.
Though it doesn’t go into great depth, it covers all the biggest intersections class and, most importantly, ties them all together. Everyone’s life is shaped by their relationship to the economy. This can vary in different ways depending on our race, gender, sexuality, where we are from, but ultimately we all experience it. Realising that all these forms of oppression have their roots in class, and that fighting back against it can improve all of our lives is the first step to regaining autonomy over our own destinies and living more fulfilled lives.
June 12, 2020
This was an excellent, logical, clearly articulated read on the effect of class on our society. It makes clear how classism is fundamental to structural inequality, and Tippet lays out how class is entrenched in its myriad ways. Tippet’s analysis is nuanced, and is key to unlocking a greater understanding of the issues that we have been witnesses to in the last few weeks.
“We cannot understand race without class or class without race.”
“We cannot understand race without class or class without race.”
April 14, 2025
this was a really well written and easily accessible look at class, primarily in the uk and with wider examples too.
it is broken down well, kept to the point and uses sensible examples to get across its points.
this is a great introduction to class and its linking factors in the uk. with particular emphasis on the link between race and class.
i would recommend and will be continuing to read other titles from this series of books.
it is broken down well, kept to the point and uses sensible examples to get across its points.
this is a great introduction to class and its linking factors in the uk. with particular emphasis on the link between race and class.
i would recommend and will be continuing to read other titles from this series of books.
Read
August 13, 2024Finally got around to finishing this one after having it on the back burner for quite some time. Fairly beginner's level introduction to class, a little more so than I was anticipating. That said, definitely something that I want to get my younger siblings to read; easily provides for a good starting point.
August 9, 2020
Such a great book, it is easy to follow and would totally recommend for anyone who wants an introductory book to class division. The author made the book really engaging and I loved the way he added more brilliant books at the end of the book! Thank you !
January 15, 2021
Easy & accessible break down of the class system, the issues and inequalities that divide the UK and the political system that reinforces it. I really enjoyed this book as a quick read I didn't want to put down.
March 23, 2022
Accesible, to the point and easy to follow. Written like a manifesto, it helped me understand a lot of concepts that are heavily discussed but no one actually takes the time to explain. I recommend for anyone looking for a short introduction to class divides!
February 27, 2023
The book was a good starting point for looking at class and economy but it felt flat sometimes and that it was almost more like a film studies essay with how many times films or celebrities was used to express his point.
It was still a decent read and would recommend.
It was still a decent read and would recommend.
July 25, 2024
I love how this book achieved brevity without compromising substantiality. It's short but its themes are sprawling among class, gender, race, environment, etc.
I am excited to read other books in the outspoken collection before the semester starts.<3
I am excited to read other books in the outspoken collection before the semester starts.<3
January 23, 2021
Important, powerful, and very accessible. Tippet is not just calling out; he’s exposing the class-based systemic injustice that is not only happening in Britain, but all over the world.
November 9, 2022
I like everything in this book except the suggestion part, which I disagree with.
November 22, 2022
It’s okay for a general overview but if you want something a bit more substantial then you might need to look elsewhere.
July 24, 2024
Review lengkap menyusul
June 22, 2025
This is a really useful book to start reading about the origin of class and its harms. It even comes with a helpful resources of books to read after finishing this one! I highly recommend it.
September 29, 2020
Ben Tippet
Split: Class Divides Uncovered
Pluto
132 pages
7.7
Split: Class Divides Uncovered
Pluto
132 pages
7.7
February 25, 2024
First finished read of the year! The slump is real, yo!
Quite centered on UK class issues, but excellent read nonetheless. A good entry read for people who are curious about class, especially those who think "buruh" means factory workers only
Quite centered on UK class issues, but excellent read nonetheless. A good entry read for people who are curious about class, especially those who think "buruh" means factory workers only
December 13, 2024
Interesting premise (class dynamics have indeed evolved from 50 years ago and as such require new discourse) but DNFing because imo oversimplifying to the degree in even the first chapter becomes a disservice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews