The descendants of people who in 1858 had "rich" surnames such as Bruce, Glanville and Darcy– indicating they were descended from the Norman elite, are still substantially wealthier in 2011 than those with traditionally "poor" surnames. In addition, the holders of such surnames today live three years longer than average, as life expectancy is a strong indicator of socio-economic status.
The research also discovered social mobility might be slower now than in medieval times as people with "artisanal" names such as Smith, Mason or Cooper were absorbed into the elite then at a much faster rate than today.
The research also discovered social mobility might be slower now than in medieval times as people with "artisanal" names such as Smith, Mason or Cooper were absorbed into the elite then at a much faster rate than today.
"The modern meritocracy is no better at achieving social mobility than the medieval oligarchy."
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