Continuities and Variations in Everyday Conceptual Components of Class

Abstract

A variety of conceptual components of everyday actors' class schemes (the number, size, notation and characteristics of the classes perceived, the determinants of class, the nature of class relationships and the possibility, means and desirability of class mobility) are located in terms of occupation and analysed according to eight `typical' Class Schemes (outlined in a previous issue of this journal). This is undertaken in order to demonstrate the extent of agreement and disagreement over these aspects of everyday definitions of class and to convey the degree to which the ideal-typical formulations reflect the views actually expressed by respondents. This is deemed necessary because of the tendency to confuse the abstractive nature of such types with their empirical or generalizing function. The findings, while broadly consistent with much previous research, reveal a complexity that demands a rethinking of a number of sociological practices and stereotypes. In particular, they provide empirical support for the typology of Class Schemes while showing the ways in which certain conceptual components of class are held in common. On the other hand, they also demonstrate the variations in social meaning applied to such concepts as `money'.