Best practices in conceptualizing and measuring social class in psychological research

Matthew A. Diemer; Rashmita S. Mistry; Martha E. Wadsworth; Irene López; Faye Reimers

doi:10.1111/asap.12001

Best practices in conceptualizing and measuring social class in psychological research

Matthew A. Diemer, Rashmita S. Mistry, Martha E. Wadsworth, Irene López, Faye Reimers

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

362 Scopus citations

Abstract

An extensive body of research has documented the relation between social class, as indexed by socioeconomic status (SES) and subjective social status (SSS), and a host of outcomes, including physical and mental health, academic achievement, and educational attainment. Yet, there remains ambiguity regarding how best to conceptualize and measure social class. This article clarifies definitional and measurement issues related to the assessment of SES and SSS, addresses their importance and relevance for psychological research, and reviews best practices with regard to measurement and assessment. We conclude by discussing the integration of social class with other markers of social position to promote the advancement of psychological science.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	77-113
Number of pages	37
Journal	Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy
Volume	13
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1111/asap.12001
State	Published - Dec 2013

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

General Social Sciences
Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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10.1111/asap.12001

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Best practices in conceptualizing and measuring social class in psychological research

Abstract

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

UN SDGs

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