United Kingdom

British Society, People and Culture

 

British society is increasingly middle class in numbers and outlook, and maintaining a high standard of living is a top priority. Material possessions, such as the family home, car, appliances, and clothes, are important, and many families take vacations abroad. The well-being of children is highly regarded, and British middle-class families often make substantial investments in order to provide the best education and life-enriching opportunities for their children.

British houses are made with concrete blocks or concrete-like building materials because the dampness of the climate causes wood to rot. Central heating is now widespread; previously, individual fires or heating devices were used. In general, British people are much more tolerant of the damp chill and less tolerant of heat over 26°C (80°F). Clothes reflect the climate, and woolen goods, particularly tweeds, are famous products. British people tend to buy fewer but better-quality pieces of clothing and keep them longer, although this cannot be said for the rapidly changing fashions of youth culture.

British cooking has a reputation for overcooked vegetables and unhealthy fried foods. This situation has improved considerably in recent years, and foreign foods, particularly those from southern Europe and Asia, have become popular. Perhaps the most famous British specialties are roast beef with Yorkshire pudding (a type of popover baked in meat drippings); shepherd’s pie, made with minced lamb and mashed potatoes; and scones served with thick, clotted cream. Other favorite foods include fish and chips, steak and kidney pie, Cornish pasties, Welsh rarebit, kippers (salted and smoked herring or salmon), and, in Scotland, haggis (stuffed sheep’s stomach).

The British tend to socialize by joining clubs and hobby groups. The local public house, or pub, serves alcoholic beverages and is an important gathering place, particularly for the working class. Politeness is a hallmark of British society, and shouting is regarded as rude. People are often reserved and do not want to show emotion in public, although this appears to be changing.

Although British society is overwhelmingly urban and suburban, links with its agricultural past are reflected in the popularity of gardening. Sports are important, and an estimated 29 million people participate in a variety of sports, including football (soccer), rugby, cricket, tennis, polo, horse racing, field hockey, and croquet. Many more are spectators of professional sports. Fishing is popular, but the few people who take up hunting come under considerable criticism for doing so. Reading, music, culture, and the arts are pursued zealously by countless millions. The authoritative and soothing tones of BBC radio and television broadcasts and news reporting inform British people and others worldwide.

Etiquette and Customs

Meeting Etiquette

• Shake hands with everyone when arriving and leaving.
• Shake hands lightly not firm.
• Women extend their hand to men first.
• Use last name and title unless invited to be on a first name basis.
• British are not touchers and most often do not display affection in public.
• Don't stare it is considered rude.
• British like there personal space, so do not stand to close to another person.

Gift-Giving Etiquette

• Give flowers, wine, chocolates, books or champagne.
• Gifts are ussually opened when recieved.
• It is polite to send flowers in advance of a party.
• Don't give white lilies.

Dining Etiquette

• Raise your hand to get your waiters attention.
• In England arrive 10 to 20 minutes late. In Wales and Scotland arrive on time.
• Wait for the host to begin eating before you eat.
• The host initiates the first toast.
• Don't smoke at diner until indicated by the host.
• Keep your hands on the table at all times through the meal, and try to keep your elbows off the table.
• Cross your knife and fork across your plate if you would like more food. If finished eating, place knife and fork side by side on the plate at the 5:25 position.
• Leave a small amount of food on your plate when your finished eating.
• When the host folds a napkin, this signals that the meal is over.
• Leave dinner party shortly after dinner ends.
• A thank you note to your hostess goes a long way.