ABSTRACT
Social class demarcates a great divide in American society: a divide not only in wealth but in living environments, life opportunities, cultures, and lifestyles. After three decades of increasing equality following World War II the social class divide has been widening since the mid-1970s, not only economically but culturally: communities, work environments, and entertainment venues are increasingly segregated by social class. The interviews lead the authors to five key conclusions. First, the majority of lower- and higher-SES respondents share a core set of values that helps make them a generation that is shaping American culture in a generally "liberal" and "progressive" direction. Second, the lower-SES respondents describe worlds that more often appear harsh, dangerous, unfair, and cruel. Third, personal sources of distress flow together with social sources of distress. Fourth, these experiences, questions, and ambivalent feelings flow together to depict worlds that are unfair. Finally, the respondents care about equality and respect in their personal relationships.
