Subjective Class Identification in Australia: Do Social Networks Matter?. Issue 1 (2nd January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huang, Xianbi
• Is Part Of: Sociological quarterly. Volume 64:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 123
• Page End: 143
• Publication Date: 2023-01-02
• Subjects: Subjective class identification -- reference group -- social networks -- Australia; Sociology -- Periodicals; 301.05
• DOI: 10.1080/00380253.2021.1997668
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-0253

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study investigates the factors that are associated with subjective class identification by using Australian national survey data. Results show that social networks play a significant role in respondents' subjective evaluation of where they fit in the social hierarchy, with those individuals who have a reference group for social comparison being more likely to identify as middle class. Participating in social clubs, having a sense of neighborhood belonging and being able to access social resources from network members are positively associated with perceived social class. The hypothetical negative effect of social exclusion on subjective class identification is not statistically significant.