Sources of variation in working class formation: Ecological, sectoral, and socialization influences

Abstract. Using data from residents of three differentiated working class neighbourhoods in Sheffield, England, this study explores the relative plausibility of three analytical perspectives on the working class formation process (the ecological, sectoral, the socialization perspectives). Expectations drawn from each of these are used to account for observed variations among respondents on several measures of working class formation. The results of several tests provide some support for the ecological and (to a lesser extent) the sectoral perspectives. However, both seem to offer less satisfactory accounts of observed variations in class formation than the socialization perspective. Some suggestions for further research to build upon the findings presented here are offered.