A recent study from the Australian National University challenges the notion of Australia as a classless society, proposing a six-class model based on economic, social, and cultural capital. Co-authored by Jill Sheppard and Nicholas Biddle, the report surveyed 1,200 Australians to measure class beyond simple occupation or income.
Traditional class models, such as the three-stratum system of working, middle, and upper class, rely heavily on occupation. However, Dr. Sheppard argues this ignores social and cultural factors. The new model incorporates cultural capital—how people spend their free time—and social capital, measured by the prestige and variety of their social networks.
The study identifies six classes: the precariat, ageing workers, new workers, established middle, emerging affluent, and established affluent. The precariat, making up 13% of the sample, has the lowest income and capital scores. Ageing workers, with a mean age of 58, include many retirees and pensioners, while new workers are younger and more financially successful despite lower occupational prestige.
The established middle class reports slightly lower fulltime employment than new workers but appears more entrenched. The emerging affluent and established affluent classes have higher economic, social, and cultural capital. Dr. Sheppard notes that these categories provide a more nuanced understanding of Australian society, though no model can capture all complexities.
