Nepotism: The effect on working class youth

The class ceiling within performing arts is more relevant than ever, especially within the UK, as capitalist problems such as the cost of living and actors strike emerge. However, as these industries become overwhelmed with upper class performers, people are failing to consider where this leaves current young people relying on arts who can no longer afford the industry.

Many people use acting, singing, dancing and other form of arts as form of expression and escape from current realities of life, as well as building a community and confidence. This goes towards improving mental health and decreasing levels of stress and anxiety. Data from the Millennium Cohort Study in 2012 found children from the lowest income are 4.5 times more likely to experience severe mental health therefore these experiences are vital. However, no matter how passionate people are for these hobbies due to cost and links it isn’t a practical or available option.

The cost of lessons doesn’t seem to be decreasing anytime soon as in London the average cost of an hour-long singing lesson sits between £40-£50 which is almost 5 times what an over 21-year-old would earn an hour on minimum wage. Even those who manage to afford some form of lessons within the performing arts industry are still incredibly disadvantaged due to a large majority of those who gain success through knowing the right people who grant them these opportunities, this is referred to as nepotism. Nepotism is gradually becoming even more prevalent within society as more people are gaining jobs this way over those with talent but lacking money.

I spoke to Hannah age 16 from Barnsley who has been a dancer for 11 years, she expressed that as a child she dreamed of joining the royal ballet however unfortunately due to her economic background accepted she wouldn’t be able to make it in the dance world. She stated that ‘those who get into elite dance schools are from more privileged backgrounds and can afford new leotards, equipment and extra lessons with those already in the industry’. She also explains how the older the cost of lessons increases therefore making money tighter within her household.

However, despite the class ceiling, success within the industry as a member of the working class isn’t entirely impossible, with passion, talent, patience, and open casting calls, many people don’t come from money are turning their passion for the arts into a career which leads many questioning the existence of nepotism at all.

Overall, links into the industry are completely changing opportunities leading to many young people losing their drive and hope. Though undoubtably many children born into success are incredibly talented knowing the right people is a huge factor into gaining success, and so much talent is missed due to people being underprivileged.