The Last Gentry

"The Last Gentry" refers to the decline of the gentry class, which historically comprised landowners and educated elites in society, particularly in Europe. As industrialization and urbanization progressed, traditional rural power structures weakened, leading to shifts in social and economic dynamics. This decline marked a transition to a more meritocratic society, as wealth and influence became increasingly tied to industrial and commercial success rather than land ownership. Understanding this shift helps illuminate the evolving nature of class and social mobility in modern times, highlighting how changes in the economy can impact social structures and cultural norms.