Conclusion: Shifting Boundaries and Social Change

Abstract

The Conclusion summarizes arguments, to suggest wealthy elites shift symbolic boundaries to include/exclude identities viewed as “contaminating”. It argues it used a discourse found in lad mags, valued conspicuous consumption, presenting the female body as a source of value and identity. It suggests Tatler subscribes to a mythic Britain of “fair play” leading to rewards, politeness the preserve of the upper classes, though changing manners were commented on, suggesting challenge to the “legitimate” culture of tradition. There was little on the wider implications of the financial crash, unsurprising given the link to pleasure, parties and hedonism, with suggestions its impact on the wealthy was more assumed than actual. The use of humour draws attention to problems in reading position, and potential ambiguity of response stemming from being outside the community of practice. It asks whether humour indicates class insecurity, a disavowal and performance of class confidence, or suggests a position of dominance, strength, and security.