Considering the Generating Mechanism of Class Identification Using Vignette Survey

Abstract

     Japanese research on social stratification has paid much attention to class identification which is one of subjective social status. The research field of class identification is an important frontier where theoretical study using mathematical model and empirical research using statistical analysis come across each other. The purpose of this study is to propose a theoretical model of class identification (coordinate-wise order model which is equivalent to the FK model in theory) and to test its empirical validity using vignette survey based on the idea of Karpinski (2009). We prepared stratification profiles (vignettes) based on combinations of three dimensions such as education, occupation, and individual income. We conducted an Internet survey to measure subjective evaluation of stratification profiles. We compared results of statistical analyses to theoretical predictions from the model to test empirical validity of the coordinate-wise order model. The model was not supported enough. We found that income of stratification profile had very strong effect on subjective evaluation of social status. On the other hand, education and occupation had weak effects. These results are different from findings of previous research on class identification. They found that all of education, occupation, and income had moderate effect on class identification. Class identification is evaluation of self-status, however, evaluations of stratification profiles are those of others‘ status. There is the possibility that different mechanism exist between evaluation of self-status and others' status.