Restructuring class society: Elements of a contemporary theory of social inequality

This essay discusses possible correspondences between social-structural phe nomena and class-structural invariants with the goal in mind to outline ele ments of a contemporary theory of social inequality - an inequality theory which provides a power sociological frame to cultural pluralization effects . Starting with the hypothesis of the changing mechanisms which structure s ocial inequality, the authors opt for a model of a restructured society. By means of a modified habitus-field-theory of Pierre Bourdieu, this model is capable of explaining both the altered context of explanation and the sign ificance of modern inequalities. Postindustrial class conflicts no longer t ake place between traditional classes. Rather, they rest upon closure strat egies of various occupational groups and their organizations; moreover, the y also result from the differential capacity to represent appropriate value orientations, to recognize legitimate standards, and to stage distinctive life styles.