Exercise: Sander Classification System.

Exercise: Sander Classification System.

The interbellum was the last period in Europe when ones position at birth very much fixed one position for life.  It is  then not surprising that Sander used the classification he did for his project People of the 20th. Century.  It  is one that is easy to follow, with it’s emphasis on class and position.  It appears it first glance to be quite egalitarian, but a closer look shows a large degree of imbalance.  There is no division on the category women.  Were there no prominent women writers, doctors or photographers?  

The degree of freedom given to each group is very marked, with the labouring classes standing erect and looking straight into the camera, (See soldier below) with little chance of self expression.  There are exceptions to this, and the Young Farmers is the best example. (See Three Farmers below)  The professional classes are given more freedom in their chosen pose.  The study of his secretary is a good example and was selected from a number of images taken.  (Secretary below) Likewise with other professional sitters who were photographed in more relaxed poses and, at times, seated.  

Social divisions are now very blurred with the opportunity of further education and financial gain open to all, and where one would not have a single classification called Women.