Rewriting the SES: Demographic patterns and divorcing families

doi:10.1016/0277-9536(86)90368-0

Social Science & Medicine

Volume 23, Issue 2, 1986, Pages 211-222

https://doi.org/10.1016/0277-9536(86)90368-0 Get rights and content

Abstract

Socioeconomic data are frequently included in health studies as indicators of social class. These data are used to measure the relationship between the behavior patterns, lifestyles and environments assumed to be associated with class and the topic under study. However, formulas currently used to calculate SES obscure rather than identify class position. This paper examines the Hollingshead SES score, comparing its view of the economic system with recent studies of the labor hierarchy of the United States. An alternative method for analysis and a socioeconomic scaling system which approximates class divisions within the United States today is then offered. A test case, using data from a study on divorcing families, is also presented to illustrate the kinds of information available through the alternative scaling system and show a comparison with the Hollingshead scale.

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Rewriting the SES: Demographic patterns and divorcing families

Abstract

Soc. Sci. Med.

Soc. Sci. Med.

Soc. Sci. Med.

Social support as a contingency in psychological well-being

J. Hlth soc. Behav.

Four factor index of social status

A socioeconomic index for all occupations

Two factor index of social position

Class, status, and party