Chapter 22: Why We Need Working-Class Academics Now More Than Ever

This chapter emphasises the critical need for working-class academics (WCAs) in contemporary academia, particularly in the United Kingdom. Drawing from personal experiences, it argues that WCAs are essential for understanding and representing the struggles of the working-class, especially in the context of the ongoing cost of living crisis. This chapter advocates for collaborative research between working-class (WC) and middle-class academics (MCA) to foster cultural competency and equitable representation. It also stresses the importance of WCAs in supporting WC students, providing relatable role models and ensuring that academic content is accessible and relevant to their experiences. This chapter concludes with a call for humility and openness in academia to create a more just and inclusive future.