Social context

• What social class do the Lyons belong to?

  Middle-class
• How did the 1970s economic recession affect middle-class people like the Lyons?

  They generally did not experience ill effects
• What type of school did Mickey and Linda attend?

  Non-selective secondary modern school
• Where does Edward go to school?

  Private boarding school
• What is a characteristic of Edward's schooling compared to Mickey's?

  Edward's school has higher aspirations for him
• What does Mickey's teacher question about his future employment?

  How he hopes to get a job
• What is the definition of recession?

  Period of economic unproductivity or decline
• What are common associations with a recession?

  High unemployment and rising prices
• How do the educational opportunities differ between Mickey and Edward?

  Edward has access to a private education
• What does the phrase "Just how the hell do you hope to get a job when you never never listen to anything" imply about Mickey's behavior?

  It suggests he is inattentive and unmotivated