i) The book is the first to apply Bourdieu's multidimensional view of class in largescale comparative research

ii) The book establishes what capitalist societies have in common and where they differ regarding the shape and effects of their class structures

iii) The book takes Bourdieu's dynamic vision of class seriously by demonstrating the close relationship between class and age.

iv) The book explores the interrelationships between class and gender, geography and religion

v) The book establishes the self-perceptions and self-evaluations associated with position in the class structure.