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A First Class Measure: Evidence for a Comprehensive Social Class Scale in Higher Education Populations

Author

Listed:
  • Olivia Evans

    (The Australian National University)

  • Romany McGuffog

    (The University of Newcastle)

  • Monica Gendi

    (The University of Newcastle)

  • Mark Rubin

    (The University of Newcastle)

Abstract

Despite social class being a burgeoning area of research in the higher education literature, there is no single comprehensive measure of social class in university student populations. Most previous research has included objective single-item measures (e.g., parent education or occupation) to assess social class and then sorted students into distinct social class categories using these items. Such approaches do not adequately capture the complexity and nuance of class, and they ignore the subjective and social components involved. The present paper reports the development and validation of an 11-item Comprehensive Social Class Scale (CSCS) that uses a mix of objective and subjective items to assess multiple aspects of social class, including education level, occupational prestige, family affluence, social class identity and subjective social status. Across 12 samples (N = 4926), we provide evidence for a single factor structure of the CSCS and demonstrate aspects of its reliability and validity. We conclude by discussing some limitations and suggestions for use of the CSCS in higher education populations.

Suggested Citation

  • Olivia Evans & Romany McGuffog & Monica Gendi & Mark Rubin, 2022. "A First Class Measure: Evidence for a Comprehensive Social Class Scale in Higher Education Populations," Research in Higher Education, Springer;Association for Institutional Research, vol. 63(8), pages 1427-1452, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:reihed:v:63:y:2022:i:8:d:10.1007_s11162-022-09693-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s11162-022-09693-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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