ABSTRACT

This timely volume introduces a new social class schema, the European Socio-economic Classification (ESeC), which has been specifically developed and tested for use in EU comparative research. Social Class in Europe aims to introduce researchers to the new classification and its research potential. Since socio-economic classifications are so widely used in official and academic research, this collection is essential reading for all users of both government and academic social classifications. While primarily aimed at researchers who will be using the ESeC, the book’s contents will also have a wider appeal as it is suitable for students taking substantive courses in European studies or as a supplementary text for undergraduates studying the EU, Sociology and Economics. Because of its inherent methodological interest, the book should prove a valuable tool for undergraduate and graduate courses that discuss how social scientists construct and validate basic measures. It will also be required reading for policy makers and analysts concerned with social inequality and social exclusion across Europe.

part 1|86 pages

Introducing the ESeC

chapter 1|36 pages

The European Socioeconomic Classification

A prolegomenon

chapter 2|22 pages

From derivation to validation

Evidence from the UK and beyond

part 2|92 pages

Measuring social class

chapter 4|25 pages

Social class and employment relations

Comparisons between the ESeC and EGP class schemas using European data

chapter 5|24 pages

Measuring social class

The case of Germany

chapter 7|21 pages

Stable and consistent with the employment relations theoretical background?

Does the prototype ESeC show these qualities with French data?

part 3|85 pages

Using ESeC in comparative research on social class

chapter 8|10 pages

The effectiveness of ESeC and EGP in clustering occupations

A study of occupational wage growth in Sweden

chapter 9|25 pages

Class and poverty

Cross-sectional and dynamic analysis of income poverty and lifestyle deprivation

chapter 11|10 pages

Unemployment risks in four EU countries

A validation study of the ESeC

part 4|34 pages

Conclusions

chapter 13|32 pages

ESeC in retrospect and prospect

An epilogue