Social class is consistently related to men’s values–both their values for themselves and those for their children–and to their orientation to work, society, and self. Basic to all these class relationships is the distinction between self-direction and conformity to external authority, the former more highly valued by men of higher social class position, the latter by men of lower social class position. All these class relationships can be explained as resulting from the cumulative effects of education and occupational position. Education is important because it can foster the intellectual flexibility and breadth of perspective required for self-directed values and orientation. Occupational position is important because it is determinative of the conditions that facilitate or preclude the exercise of self-direction in work.
Published Paper, 1969
American Sociological Review, 34(5)
Page(s): 659-678
Abstract