Stéttavitund Íslendinga í kjölfar efnahagshruns

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to tap Icelanders' class awareness in the wake of the 2008 economic collapse, using recent Icelandic survey data and 2005 World Values Survey data. The data are analyzed using a synthesis of Weber's theory of class and reference group theory. Contrary to popular belief, Icelanders are class-aware. Most recognize and understand class terms, and are willing to assign themselves to a class. Icelanders also have fairly strong awareness of their class position, evidenced by a strong relationship between subjective class and economic class, on the one hand, and subjective class and class indicators, on the other. Consistent with reference group theory, a subjective ''middle class'' tendency is revealed across the class structure. Icelanders also have more of a ''middle class'' view of their class position and see it, on average, as higher than people in most other countries. Lastly, this article is meant to help reinvigorate class analysis in Iceland.

Keywords

• Class awarness
• economic collapse
• class position
• middle class
• Iceland