Sociologie

Samenvatting

In Dutch socio-political and lay debates, ‘class’ is rarely explicitly mentioned and the generally accepted view is that class is no longer relevant in Dutch society. This article challenges this position, drawing on a cultural class analysis as developed in Anglo-Saxon sociology. On the basis of 27 in-depth interviews, the author shows how class differences and class hierarchies are actually experienced by respondents. However, ideals of individualisation and democratisation have made it taboo to talk about class and make moral evaluations. This results in denial, defensiveness and apologies. Respondents hesitate to equate socioeconomic status with moral worth and thus try to dissociate the two. Considering the importance of consumption, identity, self-reliance and active citizenship, as well as their connection to economic and cultural capital, the article calls for a cultural and relational analysis of class in Dutch society.