Whether we like it nor not, our society is structured. This happens not because it is fair, but it happens nevertheless. If one is born into a wealthy family, then one has privilege; there’s no other way to put it. The UK’s history dictates some aspects, such as the nobility, but others come about simply because they do – if one person has more wealth than they can use in a lifetime, then the law allow us to pass on some of that wealth to others. There’s an assumption that these ‘others’ are family, but it need not be so. And let’s not forget that the State, in the form of death duties, demands its cut. I’m not here to argue the rights or wrongs of this, but currently it’s a fact for us here.
Privilege has various aspects. If I’m wealthy then I can choose (whilst I’m alive) what I spend my money on – the sort of home that I live in, what belongings I have, how my health is looked after, how my children are schooled – anything. Of course, I should live within my means, but that’s up to me. The State can decide how to tax me, but so long as I stay within the law, that’s it. The point here is that whilst one’s parents are alive, they make spending decisions that can benefit me. They might choose not to give me a life of privilege, but that’s really up to them. Privilege might extend very broadly though; if someone is afforded the very best education and wealth is shared with them, then they may well go on to establish their own elevated position in society. In the end, I guess we all stand on our own, but if this is from a place of great advantage, then the head-start that we’re given my last a lifetime.
Life isn’t fair. Not everyone is born rich, nor beautiful, nor talented, nor even with the ability to work hard. And our upbringing will shape us, even if we have no influence on what that is. We can’t choose whether to be born male or female, or into a particular ethnic group, let alone what sort of people our parents are, or whether they’re wealthy/privileged or not. So, I think that a healthy concept is that of luck – either we’re lucky, or we’re not. Another idea that may be useful is whether our life situation results in us being happy or not. Some people seem always to be unhappy, and others seem to be content with their fortune. I know that I’d far rather be a happy person of limited means than an unhappy, wealthy one. So, I think it’s important to be ‘lucky’.