Theoretical (‘relational’) class schemes: Goldthorpe
According
to Goldthorpe's class scheme the key concepts guiding the allocation
of occupations to classes were initially ‘market’
and ‘work’ situation;
two of Lockwood’s three factors comprising ‘class situation’.
The Hope-Goldthorpe categories which formed the basis of the scheme
also incorporated employment status: ‘Thus, for example, “
self-employed plumber” is a different occupation from “foreman
plumber” and from “rank-and-file employee” plumber’.
The
arrangement of occupations into ‘classes’ in the Goldthorpe
scheme closely resembles that of conventional hierarchical schemes
reflecting prestige and/or lifestyle,
such as the ABC scheme used by market researchers, or that of the
registrar-general. However, Goldthorpe is adamant that his class
scheme does not have a hierarchical form but, rather, reflects the
structure
of class (employment) relations.
Conclusions
In
this chapter we have considered a widespread belief that "class"
is described only professional structure. In fact, the "class
structure" and "occupational structure" is often taken
as synonyms.
Until now, there are many approaches to address classes and their
allocation. British researchers especially distinguished and
successful in this.
