A British class structure obviously exists, and does influence the consiousness of the people. The British class system, whish is usually understood to mean a broad division into upper, middle and working classes, has changed considerably over the centuries. In earlier times, hierarchies based on wealth, the ownership of property, aristocratic privilege and political power were rigidly adhered to, and resulted in a big gap between the rulers and the ruled. But a small middle class of traders, merchants and skilled craftsmen gradually began to make inroads into this system.