Class Identification in Norway: Explanatory Factors and Life-cycle Differences

Abstract

This research note examines class identification in the Norwegian population. A simple causal framework is presented where subjective class is seen as the result of expenences in origin family, the educational system and current family. It is argued that direct effects of family background and family earnings on class identification should interact with life-cycle period To test expectations we use a Norwegian national survey from 1982 (N = 1376) Parameters are estimated by ordinary least squares regression The overall analysis shows clear and significant effects of origin family's social standing. respondent's education, current family's social standing and earnings. Life- cycle analyses support our expectations concerning interactions: effects of family background gradually fade as people get older, while family earnings have an effect only in the mid-penod No other variable, however, seems to be as important as education for explaining class identification.