1) what do you learn about the social position of the Birling family?

1) The Birling family is an upper-middle class family. (new money)

2) Gerald's family belongs to the upper class. (old Money)

3) Mr Birling is a self-made business man. He's smart, but he's also selfish, overly optimistic (business wise), and places wealth before family members (he's more interested in what his daughter's marriage can afford him than her happiness).