It's Time To Bust The Myth About 'White Van Man'
21/02/2025 10:58 Share
It's Time To Bust The Myth About 'White Van Man'
Is there anything more British than the so-called ‘white van man’? Apparently not, yet new research suggests the long-held ‘working class’ stereotype associated with the term is outdated and out of touch.
According to data revealed by Mercedes-Benz Vans, as many as ’33 per cent of van drivers under the age of 35 went to private school’.
This compares with just 12 per cent 20 years ago, according to the Telegraph.
The term ‘white van man’ became commonplace during the mid-90s as a general term to describe the estimated millions of men and women travelling the country in vans as integral members of the trade and commercial community.
Despite the physical evolution of the humble ‘white man van’ – not least data that suggests 43% of van drivers are in fact women – for some, a generalised stereotype that the community is broadly working class and doesn’t progress to higher education hasn’t moved with the times.
However, the study goes on to claim that almost half of van drivers have a higher education qualification, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
The figures come just a month after a survey by Direct Line ranked the term ‘white van man’ as being considered more of a ‘British institution’ than the Royal Family, roast dinners or even a cup of tea!
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