Classes in the United States and Sweden : A Comparison

Abstract

In spite of the basic similarity in the overall shape of the class structures of Sweden and the United States, there are some real differences as well In particular, the American class structure is characterized by a higher pro portion of managers and supervisors than the Swedish class structure. whereas the Swedish class structure has a higher proportion of 'semi-auton omous employees' The central objective of this article is to map out the details of these differences in class structures and to offer some provisional explanations One of the basic conclusions will be that the similarities of class structures are to be explained primarily economically, while the dif ferences are explained politically.