Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Melody Velez
As part of our final paper, we were brought to examine a series called Seven up. In 1964
Michael Apted began his career as a researcher on a new experimental series for Granada TV.
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During this series he sets out to validate Jesuit maxim 'Give me the child until he is seven and I
will give you the man.' theory. The goal was to follow 14 children from diverse socio-economic
backgrounds and seeing how they individually dealt with struggles and every. While running this
study of their lives, he then was able to follow them through their journey of finding their future.
Different experiences and opportunities were presented to those involved within an over 50 year
span. Apted has interviewed the original group every seven years until the age of 56. I found this
to show great commitment not only from the researcher Apted but also from those he selected.
Within these 14 selected, I decided to do my analyse on Neil’s experience. It was also a great
opportunity for me to learn about all 14 selected and their personal individual struggles and
achievements in life. I felt as if I was watching different tv novelas that brought about laughter,
sadness, suspense as well as a tears. I found myself routing for all involved and looked forward
In exploring the period of early adulthood in Neil Hughes case, I found that the
documentary while following its participants every 7 years, Apted could have missed something
critical that could have contributed to a certain age experience, once they meet again. Neils story
to me was both sad but also very encouraging. Although I do not believe Neil was truly at his
happiest by the age of 56, I do know I give him credit for never truly giving up. Although I was
born and raised in the United States I feel that the British beliefs are very similar to ours. I also
found the intentions of the interviewer Michael Apted being one of wanting to focus on how
these folks were affected by social and economic circumstances. During this documentary we are
given the opportunity to see his progress in his personal journey with the exploration of early
adulthood. Would Neil be able to explore his identity, career, marriage and relationships, or
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family dynamics? As we are later introduced to his current state, we can see he is dealing with
depression, anxiety, economic troubles while also struggling with low self esteem and
hopelessness. From watching the video I was reminded of not assuming one’s life will end up
better due to their status or upbringing. This film viewed was a great reminder of what one’s
choices, circumstance or state of mind can have on the outcomes of any given individual.
In learning about Neil’s childhood, Apted introduces us to Neil at the age of 7. We find
out about the fact that he was raised in the suburbs in a middle class neighborhood in Liverpool.
As a child he seemed happy and content with being a child. Being raised in a middle class
environment I was not surprised in the fact that he intended on going to college and of him
wanting to be accepted into Oxford University. I was later sadden that he was not given the
opportunity. I admired that he still enrolled in a local college but then surprised to find out that
he had dropped out after only one semester. Although he dropped out of college he still went to
work but living in a squat. This type of living arrangements and him dropping out of school
shows me his instability with responsibility and or commitment. I couldn't help but wonder
where his parents where and figured he didn't have their support. These choices made at such an
important time on someone's life was an opening to sort of predict where his life could be going.
When asked what he would like to do for a living, he expressed him wanting a position of
importance. This shows his internal need of belonging and making changes in his community.
He suggested a position in politics but also “feels he he didn't think he was the right sort of
person to carry that responsibility”. (56 up) This comment sort of made my question on his
ability to deal with responsibility and commitment a possible good theory. Did Neil lack the
As the documentary continues we meet Neil again at the age of 28. At this time, Apted
finds Neil is homeless living on the west coast of Scotland, and one can see his deterioration not
only physically but emotionally I would say. He seems withdrawn, and anxious. But who
wouldn't be in this condition?. He shares with Apted that “ when the money runs out, well for a
few days there's nowhere to go. That's all you can do, I simply have to find the warmest shed I
can find” (59 Up) 2012. We witness his struggle with having the normal necessities in life, like
money to be able to have shetler and a sense of security. In our first weeks discussion we are
asked if we get better with age, and one would usually say yes, but in Neils case you witness his
inability to move forward in achieving normal experiences in life, such as work, shelter,
relationships. Personally this was very hard for me to understand. He seemed like such a happy
young boy at the beginning of the film. I couldn't help but wonder if he had seeked any
professional help in those last 7 years to help him cope etc. Later at the end of the film Adted
does ask if he ever tried to get some psychological help and he expresses that he did but felt he
didn't need it. He made a comment that in his opinion, this form of help would intentionally
want to make him live this same experience. We also discuss Self-determination which is known
to be a vital piece of one's psychological well-being. During this, people generally like to feel in
control of their own lives. I felt Neil did not feel he had control over his life during this time.
Ironically Apted asks Neil where he thinks he sees himself in another 7 years and response, he
should ask where he's likely to be doing, while suggesting he expected to be running homeless in
London. During this timeline of his life I fear for his health and well being. His mental state of
mind is also of great concern. Can he make it through this period? I hope he does with all my
heart.
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At the age of 35 we then find him in London as he expected but this time living in a
Council estate in the northern part of Scotland in the Shetland Islands. Still struggling with
finding his place in the community and finding a paying job. Although he still seems to be
struggling with his current situation, I can appreciate the fact that he seems as if being around
others is bringing him confidence and opportunity to contribute a part of him. Having these new
opportunities gives him the ability to decide that he must be involved in politics because he felt
make a concrete difference in society. I felt this might be the beginning to Neil’s transitional
period in finding purpose in what he does. I looked forward to seeing where Apted would find
Neil is then visited at the age of 42 where we can then see many aspects of his life having
changed as well as seeing growth in his career and or place in society. At age 42 he had moved
to London and found himself involved through work as a Liberal Democrat on Hackney Council.
I feel during this stage we as viewers could experience his attachment style within community
and those around him. In not being able to hear more about his relationship with his parent I was
not able to determine his childhood attachment style but felt comfortable enough to say he fell
Although I felt he seemed lost during his twenties, we could still see his needing of approval of
others, while also being being witness of his insecurity and self critical thought of himself. At
the age of 49 he has left London and moved to Cumbria in the northwest part of England. Here
he is a Liberal Democrat of a local district council. During this interview we see his passion of
the public toilets and his explanation of how something someone would find minimal could be of
such importance to a small community. The video does go back in forth through his different
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encounters but we are then educated on his thoughts about important aspects of one's personal
opinions, that can give us a better understanding of how those beliefs can be connected to current
lifestyle or achievements. When asked of his strengths, Neil response with “To keep going”
while admitting to his weakness being “Not being able to take any positive course of action once
faced with an obstacle” (59 up) 2010. His expressed opinions and responses to this question is
clearly demonstrated throughout his journey. One comment Neil shares with us on video that
truly hit me was “ No formal education can prepare anyone for life. Only life can” (59 up) 2010.
Although some seek education as we do, I do believe that statement has merit as well. Life is
unpredictable and brings along different experiences in all of us. Throughout this documentary
we are able to see how his spiritual beliefs and maturity, affect his experiences and end up
playing a vital role in his growth. When asked about what role God played in his life during his
twenties, he compares it to the old testament. He says God is unpredictable in the old testament,
and that's how he found him in his own life. During 49 up we find out that through additional
training he is now a Lay minister who is able to lead services, preach, distribute community
information while serving his community. Although he makes it clear he is not unappreciative to
serve his church, he felt it was not the best place of employment for someone who wants to
change society. I agreed to a certain extent because I feel he could still have a voice of influence
During 56 up we get to learn a little more on his opinions of current hurts and struggles
he is still dealing with although he had been able to move forward. He expresses anger in doors
being closed for him as well as others. We get a sense of his passion for community and making
sure concerns and ideas are heard and taken into account. He also shares with us about viewers
communicating with him that they knew what he was going through but felt they really didn't.
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We also are able to see that his current lifestyle and being part of the community has brought
some sort of belonging and a little piece of happiness. When asked what being happy is, he
responses, being with friends, going on a walk and discussing current interest. Seemed simple to
me. Neil reminds us that he put his heart on a sleeve for everyone to see and although he shared
many of his personal interest like writing, no one ever asked to read any of his work. In addition
to following his personal journey through adulthood with the world, he reminds us of not only
wanting acceptance of what he wrote but a sense of acknowledgement. Almost at the end of his
story we are able to hear his take on what factors could have played a role his current destiny. He
shares with us that he had a nervous complaint since the age of 16 which was responsible for him
leaving the university and for some ways making it difficult work. I would have appreciated
learning just a little more about what that could have been.
In conclusion, having the opportunity to see Neil’s journey in life, I was not only able to
see his ups and downs but also admired his kind heart throughout the series. I was not surprised
to also see his hurt in his experience with society and in finding his place in the world. Isn't this
what we are all doing? Finding our purpose?. Something else that I was able to get out of this
documentary by being introduced to the group presented in 59 up, is the opportunity to know
their opinion or take on what being part of this research did to them overall. Other than studying
there personal growth in life, I think we might have forget the overall impact this can have on
their life after it is completed. Although I only got the information presented on this particular
taping, I am curious to research the series further for more information, I still felt was
unanswered for me. Finally I will share what stayed with me after Neils story was shared with
us. Through his obstacles in life and not really having that normal expected life we all wish for
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or experience, I believe he was very brave to never give up. I can only wish that he will change
his mind in the future and seek some professional help. Not to try and make up for what he feels
he was not able to achieve but rather to give him peace of mind. Literally. Great view and
References
Apted, M. (Director). Balden, B., Basset, J., Basterfield, S., Brackfield, A., Brisby, J., & Davies,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5C-u7reHIWs&t=2010s&has_verified=1
R. Chris Fraley. (n.d.). A brief overview of adult attachment theory and research. Retrieved from
http://labs.psychology.illinois.edu/~rcfraley/attachment.htm