What Is the Social Class of Jack London?

By Michael Ferguson

Jack London was an author and journalist who lived from 1876 to 1916. He is best known for his works such as “The Call of the Wild” and “White Fang”.

His writing often reflected his life experiences and beliefs, which included socialist and Darwinist ideologies. In this article, we will explore the social class of Jack London in more detail.

Early Life

London was born to a working-class family in San Francisco, California. His father was a disabled Civil War veteran who struggled to provide for the family.

London’s mother worked as a music teacher, but her income was not enough to support the family on her own. As a result, London had to work odd jobs from a young age to help make ends meet.

Education

Despite his family’s financial struggles, London was able to attend school until the eighth grade. However, he had to drop out of school and start working full-time when he was just 14 years old. Although he did not have a formal education beyond middle school, he continued to read extensively throughout his life.

Working-Class Background

London’s early experiences shaped his worldview and political beliefs. He saw firsthand how difficult it was for working-class families like his own to survive in a capitalist society. He believed that the working class should unite against the wealthy elite in order to create a more equal society.

Socialist Beliefs

London became involved in socialist politics in the early 1890s after reading works by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. He joined the Socialist Labor Party and later the Socialist Party of America. He believed that workers should control the means of production and that wealth should be distributed more equally among all members of society.

Darwinist Ideologies

In addition to socialist beliefs, London also subscribed to Darwinist ideologies. He believed in the survival of the fittest and that only the strongest and most adaptable individuals would survive in society. This belief is reflected in his writing, which often features strong, resilient characters who must fight to survive in harsh environments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jack London came from a working-class background and experienced firsthand the struggles of poverty. His experiences shaped his political beliefs and ideologies, which included socialism and Darwinism. London’s writing often reflected these beliefs and provided insight into the social and economic conditions of his time.