Class Awareness in the United States

The Jackmans' book explores the meaning and reality of class in American social life, examining popular conceptions of social class through national survey data. They argue that class is an important part of American social life, forming a graded series of status groups that reflect emotionally significant social communities. While American electoral politics has failed to provide more than limited expression of class issues, the book shows that there is a pervasive awareness of social class at the grassroots level.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 242 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

The significance of social classes in American society has been a topic of widespread debate since the nation's founding. In their book, Mary and Robert Jackman present a fresh perspective on this ongoing discussion by examining popular conceptions of social class. The Jackmans argue that the meaning and reality of class cannot be fully understood without considering its place in public awareness. To explore this topic, they rely on national survey data to examine the willingness of Americans to identify with one of five social classes, ranging from the poor to the upper class.

The authors delve into the meanings that people attach to these classes, exploring whether they hold emotional significance. They also examine why some individuals perceive themselves as belonging to the working class while others consider themselves middle class. The book raises important questions about how individuals process class cues, considering differences between blacks and whites, women and men, and their respective perceptions of class. Furthermore, it explores how people's social environments shape their class awareness and the social and political implications of class.

The evidence presented in this book supports the notion that social classes play a significant role in American social life. Classes are defined as graded series of status groups formed by configurations of socioeconomic criteria. While these groups may not be rigidly bounded, they reflect emotionally meaningful social communities that command affiliation. Despite the limited expression of class issues in American electoral politics, the book highlights a pervasive awareness of social class at the grassroots level.

This book is part of UC Press' Voices Revived program, which commemorates the University of California Press' mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and provide them with a voice, reach, and impact. By reissuing titles from the press's backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible to a broader audience once again. The program aims to revitalize the legacy of UC Press and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on important social and intellectual issues.

In conclusion, the Jackmans' book offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the significance of social classes in American society. By examining popular conceptions of social class, the authors shed light on the meanings that people attach to these classes, the factors that influence their perceptions, and the social and political implications of class. Through their analysis of national survey data, the Jackmans demonstrate that social classes are an important part of American social life, and their work highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of this issue.

Weight: 363g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520307087