Lords, Commoners and The Queen

Watching the opening of Parliament and a new Queen’s Speech, I thought this was just too good not to blog. And it does fit into the syllabus, here and there. Power, Culture and Identity, Stratification. Take your pick. There are those who hate the ceremonial side of our political culture - too pompous and hidebound they say. True perhaps, but at least you know where you stand. All those elaborate systems of uniforms and privileges are excellent illustrations of a social, economic, and cultural elite at work. I defy any student to deny the reality of stratification after watching a short clip of the opening of Parliament. Check it out on the BBC.