Australia, in the eyes of many, is a "paradise" because the poor in Australia live happier than those in the rest of the world-government arranges low-rent housing for the poor who cannot afford to rent and waives their utilities. There are even workers who regularly clean their houses.
Thanks to Australia's well-established social security system and a sound tax system, Australia's poor and average do not differ significantly in their basic lives. Although Australia's social class concept is not obvious compared to the United Kingdom, it is undeniable that there is also class in Australia.
1, from "third-level" to "sixth-order"
Many people's perceptions of social strata remain in the 20th century, when sociologists proposed a "three-class" model that divides people into the working class, the middle class and the upper class. However, with the progress of society and the development of economic level, more and more "local giants" emerge in the society, and simple economic indicators can no longer be used as the only index to measure a person's social class.
Social researchers at the National University of Australia, (Australian National University), published a study that uses more indicators to define people's social classes and concludes the "six-class" model.
2, becoming a new element of "superior person": cultural capital and social capital
Sociologist Jill Sheppard says that over the past 20 years, people have measured their social class by "occupation" and bank deposits, a simple but too "rough" method, Dr. Sheppard said. This approach ignores more complex social factors than income-cultural capital and social capital.
(I) Cultural capital: the educated have a clear advantage
Cultural capital can be broadly understood as how you spend your free time.
If you have a free night, will you choose to watch TV at home, scan your face book, or go to the theater to watch a show?
These amateur activities are tabulated, selected by investigators, and rated as a measure of respect for these activities, which serve as an indicator of education, consumption habits and socio-political access.
Education, as one of the key factors in social class mobility, provides a platform for many people from the civilian class to move up to the class through their own efforts.
Debbie, an aboriginal from Brisbane, said: "by far, graduating from college has been the most proud moment for me. I'm from the civilian class, but I have a lot of social and cultural capital and people respect me."
(2) Social capital: the key to the circle of friends
Similar to cultural capital, social capital is measured by the degree of respect in different circumstances.
For example, what career do you have in your circle of friends? Where do you come from, what are your parents' careers?
Dr. Sheppard said small things on the way people grew up could have an indelible impact on his future, so people's social activities and circle of friends are also included as indicators of consideration.
If your friends and you have the same amateur activities, and those activities are less respected, then your overall score will decline as well.
Third, the "sixth class" of Australian society
Dr Sheppard said the "six classes" could be more detailed and representative of all aspects of Australian society.
(1) the wealthy (Established affluent)-one of Australia's closest aristocrats. Their combined economic, social and cultural capital scores are the highest among the six.
(2) (Emerging affluent)-the income level of the newly rich class is higher than that of the middle class, but it is worth noting that their "wealth accumulation" (that is, assets and savings) is relatively low.
(3) the middle class (Established middle)-compared with the new working class, the full-time employment rate of the middle class is slightly lower, but the social status of the middle class is more stable and comfortable than that of the new worker class. Because they have accumulated more wealth, they are also higher than the new workers in economic and social capital scores.
(4) the new working class (New workers)-almost half of the new workers-naturally have a lower average age and have full-time jobs. Although this class is relatively less respected than older workers, they are economically more successful, and they score higher on social and cultural capital.
(5) Aging worker class (Ageing workers)-this class has the highest average age (58 years), accounting for 14% of the total population. A large part of this class is retired pensioners. Like the unstable proletarian class, they find it difficult to find jobs.
(6) the unstable proletarian class (The precariat)-this class accounts for 13% of the total sample. The unstable proletarians are made up of Australia's poorest citizens. They have the lowest average household income, many are unemployed or receive government social welfare benefits, and they have the lowest scores on social and cultural capital.
4. Which class do you fit better with?
The researchers found that the tastes and characteristics above the middle class are as follows:
-> you are engaged in a low-level managerial or professional profession, such as a teacher, social worker, nurse, accountant or lawye
-> you have a large number of books (over 500)
-> you have read Australian novels
-> you like modern art
-> you prefer to visit museums or art galleries rather than take part in multiplayer sports
-> you prefer to participate in music activities rather than watch TV
-> you have a graduate degree in humanities or social sciences
The taste and characteristics of the working class are as follows:
-> you are engaged in routine, low-level supervision or technical work such as machine operator, bus driver, labor or factory worke
-> you love country music
-> you watch more than five hours of television per week
-> you'd rather watch a variety show than an Australian story
-> you do not have a book collection or do not like to visit art galleries or museums at home
-> you have never heard of Tim Winton or Jackson Pollock
-> you have a high school or incomplete high school education
Finally, although sociologists divide the Australian social class into six classes, the hearts of the people are not divided by this virtual benchmark, and Australians do not fall into the "self-defined class" cage.
Compared with other countries, the barriers to communication between people of different classes in Australia are not obvious, and the rich people who watch ballet will also eat street food with friends who like to watch variety.
People-to-people contacts are not utilitarian, as long as you treat each other sincerely, no matter what class you come from, you can make close friends in Australia.