30th September, 7.30pm - Eliza Filby, Inheritocracy

Backstory, 71 Balham High Rd, SW12 9AP

We're excited to welcome historian, author, and expert on generational changes Eliza Filby to Backstory to chat about her latest book. Inheritocracy: It's Time to Talk about the Bank of Mum and Dad was a Sunday Times bestseller. In it, she argues that contrary to the meritocracy we’re raised to expect, we live in an inheritocracy where what matters most is parental financial support - from university funds to help with a housing deposit - and presents the case that this isn't something to ignore.

About the book:

Many of us grew up believing in a meritocracy, where hard work and a good education brings rewards. Go to university, get a job, put in the hours and things will be OK. That’s what we were told – but the reality is that life chances and opportunities are no longer shaped by what we learn or earn but by whether we have access to the Bank of Mum and Dad.

We’re living in an inheritocracy, where parental support is what matters most – whether that’s covering the cost of university, stumping up for a house deposit or helping with childcare. And let’s be honest, this isn’t something we like to talk about with our friends, families or as a society. It’s a modern taboo.

In this timely and revealing book, generational expert Eliza Filby explores the emergence of this inheritocracy through her own life story, revealing how her family’s financial circumstances shaped everything from her education to her dating life, from her career to her class identity. Inheritocracy is a thought-provoking and candid blend of memoir and cultural commentary, told through Eliza’s humorous and insightful voice. With trillions of pounds set to be passed down the generations over the next two decades, a significant divide is emerging between those who can rely on family wealth and those who can’t.

Inheritocracy offers a fresh, captivating and honest look at our recent past and a future that will be shaped – for better or worse – by family fortunes.

Tickets Available:

Ticket only - £15 (This ticket does not include a copy of the book. You can decide to buy a copy on the night, but this will be charged in addition, at the full price of the book.)

Ticket & book  (RRP £10.99) - £20 (To collect on the night or in advance, after the publication date of 17 July.)