Pakulski and Waters Death Of Social Class

1996 both wrote book, claiming “like beads and che guevara berets, class is passe” (believe that it is unfashionable to consider class important) There is more individualism in classes with a wider variety of different people. Categories previously used can no longer be used, e.g race, gender ethnicity etc as there is no norm due to individualism and more choice.

Pakulski and Waters have explained that there are 3 phases in capitalist societies these are: Economic-class society, existed in 19 th century where society was divided into class by land owners and workers Organised class society – early 20 th century, controlled through political parties rather than industry. Status – conventional societies – based on culture rather than economic attributes. People can now choose lifestyle with little restrictions from class.

Pakulski and Waters state 4 key features of change in stratification system Culturalism, stratification based on materlialistic values and knowledge. Fragmentation, classed by peoples status within membership of groups, types of employment and lifestyle choices. E.g doctors, mayors and social clubs like yacht and golf clubs. Autonomization- people choose how they behave and how to accept others, can not be predicted in anyway including class back ground. Resignification – People can change their class and beliefs through their life.

They state, “Education, qualifications and professional skills have become more important than class background..” As a result of wealth, people now have wider variety of choice, so able to create own identity (individualism).

Criticisms of Pakulski and Waters Inconsistent and confused definition of class Harriet Bradley (1997) Bradley goes on to state that according to Pakulski and Waters people choose their own class. This can not be believed when looking at poverty stricken classes, as they would not have chosen this.