Britain is one of the most unequal countries in the western world: the richest one per cent own a vast proportion of the wealth while both the pay gap & spending habits remain incredibly divisive. How do such divisions reflect contemporary ideas of class? In what way does economic life affect individuals & social relationships? What are the implications for society as a whole? This thoroughly revised second edition of Class in Contemporary Britain uses class theory to interrogate & explain patterns & trends in economic inequalities & to explore their consequences from a sociological view. Addressing & debating timely questions this new edition: * Assesses different ways of mapping class structures through class schemes * Highlights the continued importance of class in sociological study & analyses contemporary social class divisions * Explores key topics including social mobility voting habits & education * Reflects on recent changes & developments in the field from environmental & technological concerns to shifts in class demographics This comprehensive & accessible book disentangles the complex ties between economic social & political perspectives on class in contemporary Britain. It is essential reading for all social sciences students who are studying class.