Abstract

In this article, the existence of a working class culture is analysed on the basis of a representative sample of workers in Flanders. In the first part, theories such as the inclividualization theory and the postmodern criticism of social classes are reviewed, leading to the hypothesis that a working class culture no longer exists. Next, three hypotheses are analysed; (1) blue collar workers still hold a set of typical attitudes which distinguish them from white collar workers, (2) the social class of the respondents can be predicted on the basis of their attitudes and subjective identification with a social class, (3) the social class of the respondents has an autonomous effect on their attitudes. These three hypotheses are all corroborated, suggesting that the disappearance of a working class culture needs a more carefully balanced appraisal than the one offered by the reviewed theories on its disappearance.

How to Cite:

De Witte, H., (1997) “De ideologische cultuur van arbeiders in Vlaanderen: een replicatie en uitbreiding op basis van de IPSO-data”, Tijdschrift voor Sociologie 18(1-2), 53–78. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/sociologos.86410