Abstract

Using a sample of lawyers, this article examines the explanatory power of some operationalisations of stratification, namely Wright’s class model, a prestige scale, a continuous measure of authority and the ownership relation. The data show that, even when control variables are included, class has a stronger impact upon the investigated personality traits and work attitudes than prestige, The effects of the continuous authority measure are similar to those of class, albeit somewhat less strong. Contrary to prestige, class and authority do explain a small fraction of the personality traits and a more extensive portion of the work attitudes. When immediate working conditions are introduced, the relationships found are for the most part maintained. The importance of the factor ‘authority’ in social stratification is highlighted.

How to Cite:

Claeys, J., (1997) “Klasse, prestige, gezag en persoonlijkheid”, Tijdschrift voor Sociologie 18(1-2), 155–180. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/sociologos.86414