Abstract

VESTER, Michael. Class and culture in Germany. Sociologia, Problemas e Práticas [online]. 2003, n.42, pp.25-64. ISSN 0873-6529.

The article develops a typological map of the class cultures in Germany (including a short comparison with the typologies of France, Italy and Britain). It is based on ample qualitative research and representative surveys organised by a new, dynamic interpretation of the theory of class habitus and social space developed by Bourdieu. It’s methodology centers on Durkheim’s concept of "milieu" which unites the occupational and the cultural dimensions of class. Social classes are defined primarily not as aggregates of the official employment statistics but as aggregates of social action, i. e. as groups united and distinguished by common habitus, practices and tastes. However, the class cultures of everyday life do not translate directly into political or ideological cleavages. The main six ideological camps of the political field draw their adherents from different, though neighbouring milieus in distinct zones of social space. As a whole, the research supports the hypothesis of class differentiation and not of class erosion.

Keywords : Class change; milieu; habitus; political cleavages.

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