Costa et al (2002), Social Classes in Europe (original) (raw)

Abstract

The current globalization context brings new questions to class analysis. After a brief review of the theoretical stance and the operationalization possibilities offered by today's sociology of social classes and stratification, this article presents a comparative analysis in which a selected set of social recomposition indicators is applied to the European Union as a whole and to each one of its countries. One of the main themes discussed throughout the article is the relative importance of national and global parameters in the structuration of class relations.

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What trends are observed in women's workforce participation in the EU?add

The study finds that women's activity rates in the EU increased significantly, reducing gender disparities from 30 to 20 percentage points between 1990 and 1998. In Portugal, women's participation nearly tripled, reaching 11.5% of total employment by the late 1990s.

How does educational attainment differ across EU member states?add

The paper reveals that only about 20% of the Portuguese population achieved higher education by the late 1990s, significantly lower than the EU average of nearly 60%. Countries like Germany and Denmark reported 70-80% completion rates, indicating vast educational disparities within the EU.

How do socio-occupational categories change in the EU over time?add

Between the mid-1980s and the 1990s, the percentage of entrepreneurs and executives in the EU nearly doubled to 40%. This growth reflects shifts in the labor market due to small business proliferation and the rise of technical and managerial roles.

What is the impact of globalization on class structures in Europe?add

The research shows that globalization processes significantly influence class recomposition within the EU, fostering new class relations and influencing labor dynamics. However, national-specific regulations and cultural contexts continue to shape these class structures.

What factors contribute to social recomposition processes in Portugal?add

The article identifies low education levels and demographic changes as key contributors to Portugal's social recomposition, leading to a polarized class structure. By the 1990s, only 22% of adults in Portugal held upper secondary education, severely limiting their social mobility.

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