The Chawners Last Chance: A textual analysis of the dynamics and function of middle-Class disgust in a televised reality programme

Middle-class disgust is an important source of distinction which serves to maintain classed boundaries and privileges even where material conditions may be converging. This article presents a detailed analysis of The Chawners' Last Chance, a televised reality show which, it is argued, illustrates the dynamics and function of middle-class disgust. Analysis of content, editing, camerawork and narration uncovers the manner in which class disgust is actively and consciously produced. Placing The Chawners' Last Chance in the context of theoretical and empirical studies of contemporary class disgust, it is argued that although direct reference to class is now eschewed in derisory discourse, class disparagement is nonetheless ever present and arguably of increasing significance to the formation of class division.