Stories

Sun, 17 May 2026

Sun, 17 May 2026 'We need working-class voices to enrich culture'

Northumberland journalist Kate Pasola says there is a need to break down socioeconomic barriers.
Journalist Kate Pasola has written a book highlighting the difficulties faced by working-class writers in the industry, after being pushed out herself due to cost issues. According to Pasola, many people from lower-income backgrounds are deterred from pursuing a career in writing because they cannot afford it. Statistics show that the number of working-class individuals in creative roles has decreased significantly since the 1970s, with only 10% of writers coming from working-class backgrounds. The Creative Mentor Network found that the proportion of working-class creatives has dropped by half over the past few decades. Pasola's book, Bread Alone: What Happens When We Run Out of Working-Class Writers, features essays from 33 contributors detailing the institutional barriers they faced in their careers. The author aimed to create a collection with diverse perspectives on the issue, which she believes is a "multi-faceted" problem affecting not just the UK but globally. A survey by business magazine The Bookseller found that nearly 80% of people from working-class backgrounds felt that class had negatively impacted their career. Charities like New Writing North are trying to address these issues through initiatives such as The Bee, a literary publication centered around working-class experiences. Founder Claire Malcolm stated that the cost-of-living crisis is making it even more challenging for individuals from lower-income backgrounds to break into the industry. Representation of working-class voices in media and culture is seen as crucial, but Pasola emphasizes that providing platforms for these stories is just the starting point, as it allows for a more diverse cultural landscape.