Conclusions Flashcards
In conclusion on class Bradley writes in 1996.
Bradley (1996) – Takes a more balanced view on the relationship between class and identity. She accepts that class has become a weaker source of identity in contemporary UK, even though the growing inequalities between the rich and poor are becoming more polarised (gap is widening). Therefore, class is still important, but it is the rise in other identities (gender, ethnicity, sexuality) that are increasingly becoming more important and no one single identity dominates. This idea of working class as a single, collective social class identity has now gone and we are now characterised by fragmented identities (identities made up of many pieces or fragments).
In conclusion on class Savage at al. write in 2001.
Savage et al. (2001) produced a survey that provided empirical evidence of Bradley’s passive identity for class:
- Most of his sample believed that class divisions still existed in Britain
- But few of them were willing to define themselves in terms of class
- They preferred to see themselves as individuals (rise of individualism)
Is social class still an important source of identity?
Yes
Multiple points.
Marxism: Social identity determined by social class, It is single, fixed. Taught class identities through agents of socialisation (Family, Education examples are key)
Bourdieu: Cultural, Economic, Social, Educational capital
Lawler: Uses Bourdieu’s concept of taste and explains how MC use taste for establishing differences.
Jones: MC sneer and ridicule WC, demonise and stereotype as chavs.
Characteristics of WC/MC/UC still prevalent and contain different levels of cultural capital, lifestyle, life chances, tastes.
Importance of the agents of socialisation – Family, Education.
Provides us with income that leads to association with similar people on the same socio-economic.
New Working Class has emerged.
McKenzie: Whilst WC manufacturing jobs have declined. McKenzie found that they still retained a strong sense of identity and solidarity amongst redundant workers. They still saw the divide between the disadvantaged WC and the privileged UC.
Acheson: Life chances in top two classes better than bottom two. Class polarisation.
Leisure activity choices (holidays) are governed by taste and income.
Guardian poll (2007) 89% of 18-24yrs olds believed that class was still significant.
British Attitudes Survey (2012) 95% identified themselves with a particular class. Only 5% didn’t. 60% saw themselves as WC.
Is social class still an important source of identity?
No
Multiple points.
Postmodernism: Fluidity, choice, individualism, fragmentation more important than rigid class identities. People can ‘construct’ and identity through pick n mix.
Media has broken down cultural barriers. Less stigma attached to WC. More disposable income. Decline in manual jobs. Increased access to education.
Clarke & Saunders: Fragmentation. Identity through consumption now.
Pakulski & Waters (PM): Class is dead as an important source of identity. It has been replaced with lifestyle and consumption of different status groups rather than class groups.
Lash & Urry (PM): class subcultures have weakened and people’s cultural choices are much more individualistic and based on a range of lifestyles presented in the media, leisure and spending.
Consumption and leisure now central to identity.
Decline of Working Class Identity: Collectivity, manual jobs, trade unionism, ‘them and us’ attitude has been replaced with individualism, new forms of employment, no trade union identity, a-political identity. Class has become ‘passive’ (it is meaningless to our identity)
Rise in fragmentation – gender, ethnicity more important now
Traditional upper class has changed – now characterised by entrepreneurs and jet sets. Importance of ‘conspicuous consumption’ (bling) rather than the values of conservatism and tradition.
Savage: Class is passive identity. Not may people in his survey were willing to identify themselves in terms of class. Preferred to see themselves as individuals.
