Final answer:
The modern class system in Britain, influenced by the Industrial Revolution, consists of upper, middle, and lower classes with distinct class traits, and allows for social mobility, despite the persistence of social stratification.
Step-by-step explanation:
How social classes are described in Britain can be traced back to the changes that occurred during the Industrial Revolution. This historic period marked a significant shift from the feudal structure of the Middle Ages, where land ownership and noble birth largely dictated social standing, toward a society where wealth and power could be accumulated through industrial endeavors and commerce.
The modern class system in Britain is somewhat similar to that of the United States, with hierarchical groupings based on wealth, education, occupation, and social behavior. This structure is also characterized by the concept of social mobility, which allows individuals to move between classes. The main classes recognized today are upper, middle, and lower class, each with distinct class traits or markers that inform customs, norms, and lifestyle choices.
It's important to note that despite the opportunities for upward movement, social stratification remains a powerful force that influences how people interact, live, and work, often associating with others of the same social standing, as in the case of royal Prince William marrying Kate Middleton, a commoner, which was a rare event in terms of social structure.