Key to research participants

Arthur grew up in a working-class family. The men in his family had worked on the docks in Bristol for generations. Arthur proudly followed the family tradition until the docks closed under the Thatcher government. After that he worked in several menial jobs but is now retired. He is married with grown children.

Bill grew up in an upper-class family. He settled in rural Somerset, where he could maintain his passion for horses. He is self-employed as an equestrian advisor. Until recently, he did much of the heavy work of building the courses himself. He now primarily works as a designer and advisor. He is married ,with adolescent children.

Bruce's family are middle class. He has worked in education for 30+ years and is now retired. He now volunteers in the education sector. He lives in London with his long-term partner. They have no children.

Candice comes from a middle-class background. She lives in the London area and works as an educational psychologist. She is married with grown children.

Charles stated that his family were “below working class.” He worked in London as a counselor and a teacher. He has been a part of the cocounseling community for many years and acts as a mentor. He lives with his long-term partner and they have no children.

Elaine's family are working class. She and her husband ran their own business for many years. She lives in a small village in Somerset and now works as a domestic cleaner. She is married with grown children.

George grew up in an upper-class family. He is titled but like his father before him has chosen not to use his title. He is a retired engineer who currently works part time. He is actively involved in union politics. George lives in Manchester with his wife and adolescent child.

Geri comes from a middle-class family. She lives in London and works as a marketing and engagement director. She is part of an alternative community. Geri is single with two grown children.

Gill's family are working class. She moved to the UK when she was a very young child and spent most of her childhood living with her aunt. She lives in Bristol and works as a trainer and is actively engaged in community work.