British society has more middle class people than lower class people. Maintaining a high standard of living is a top priority. Possessions such as a home, car, appliances, and clothes, are important to every family. Some middle class families make investments in order to provide the best education and opportunities for their children.

British houses are made of concrete blocks or concrete like building materials because the dampness of the climate causes wood to rot. British people are much more tolerant with a damp chill, than an 80 degrees Fahrenheit climate.

British cooking has a reputation for over cooked vegetables and very unhealthy fried food. But as the years went on people began liking foreign food from mostly southern Europe and Asia. Perhaps the most famous British foods are the roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, shepherds pie, made with minced lamb and mashed potatoes, and scones served with thick, clotted cream. Other favorites are fish and chips, steak and kidney pie, cornish pasties, welsh rarebit, and in Scotland haggis. (stuffed sheep’s stomach)               

British people tend to socialize by joining clubs and hobby groups. The local pub serves alcoholic beverages and is an important gathering place, especially for the working class. Politeness is enjoyed and shouting is regarded as impolite.   

Over 29 million people in Britain participate in sports. The British enjoy such sports as football, soccer, rugby, cricket, tennis, polo, horse racing, field hockey, and croquet. The most popular sport is soccer

National Health Care

The British government has established a health care and welfare plan that was established between 1945 and 1951. While the government pays 49% of their budget for healthcare and social security, health care accounts for only 5% of the money sent in England each year.

The National Health Service Act of 1946 made a health care plan that went in affect in 1948 because citizens were deemed (to judge or consider) to have a right to free health care, it provided free medical care for all of the people in Britian. The system covered a physician, dental care, prescription drugs, hospital care, eyeglasses, and dentures. It provided a better health care system than most people could afford.

Welfare

[Return to Our Welcome Page]