How is Received Pronunciation connected to social class in Great Britain?

Received Pronunciation (RP) is a nonregional accent in Great Britain that has historically functioned as a marker of high social status and prestige. Traditionally, it is associated with the middle and upper classes and is closely linked to the education provided by elite public schools, such as Eton and Harrow, as well as the universities of Oxford and Cambridge.12

Because of its historical ties to the aristocracy, the court, and the bar, RP became a standard of "educated pronunciation". Its prestige is so significant that it has been adopted by upwardly mobile individuals seeking to align themselves with these social circles. While "conservative RP" remains linked to older, aristocratic generations, "mainstream RP" is often viewed as a neutral accent that signifies advanced education rather than a specific social class. Despite its influence, RP is spoken by a small minority of the population, and it remains distinct from the regional accents that serve as the practical standard for most people in the United Kingdom.12