SOCIAL scientists from the University of York will take part in a national BBC survey examining the class system in Britain.

The Great British Class Survey aims to be the largest study of its kind conducted in the UK, and is part of a BBC current affairs investigation which also includes two documentaries on BBC2.

Professor Mike Savage, of the University’s department of sociology, helped design the survey which asks the public to help answer questions about class in Britain today.

He said: “If we don’t measure class, we can’t know how important it is and how much it influences people’s chances in life.

“The Great British Class Survey will measure the cultural dimension of class for the first time, and will put into place another missing piece in a complex and fascinating puzzle.”

The survey will examine whether there is still a class system and, whether it is based on economic factors such as wealth, social factors or culture.

Clive Edwards, of BBC Current Affairs, said: “The shape of Britain’s class system is very much open to debate. Indeed, some people would argue that class simply does not matter any more. But our national fascination with class continues – you only have to look at the huge popularity of programmes like Downton Abbey for the evidence. But when it comes to making policy decisions or having a proper debate about the class system, we need more than stereotypes and received wisdom. We need a proper assessment of what ‘class’ really is, and that’s what we hope this survey will produce.”

The survey is available at bbc.co.uk/labuk. The results will be revealed later this year.