The class pictures in citizens' minds. (7th October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Robison, Joshua; Stubager, Rune
• Is Part Of: British journal of sociology. Volume 69:Number 4(2018:Dec.)
• Page Start: 1220
• Page End: 1247
• Publication Date: 2017-10-07
• Subjects: Social class -- class consciousness -- class identification -- stereotypes -- Denmark; Sociology -- Periodicals; 301.05
• DOI: 10.1111/1468-4446.12313
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1315

Abstract

Abstract: Social class has traditionally played a key role in explaining social behaviour and cognition. However, recent analyses have been dominated by the view that the relevance of class for behaviour has dwindled in advanced industrial societies. We contest this view by focusing on the subjective components of class consciousness. Using a national survey of Danish citizens, we show that individuals continue to hold meaningful conceptions of classes, to identify with them and, moreover, to perceive substantial levels of differences between them with these latter beliefs being strongly structured by respondent class identification. These results are all the more intriguing because they stem from a high affluence/low inequality national context that should be a particularly good case for failing to find such rich class perceptions.