Money, Morals, and Manners: The Culture of the French and the American Upper-Middle Class

by Michèle Lamont

Drawing on remarkably frank, in-depth interviews with 160 successful men in the United States and France, Michèle Lamont provides a rare and revealing collective portrait of the upper-middle class—the managers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and experts at the center of power in society. Her book is a subtle, textured description of how these men define the values and attitudes they consider essential in separating themselves—and their class—from everyone else.

Money, Morals, and Manners is an ambitious and sophisticated attempt to illuminate the nature of social class in modern society. For all those who downplay the importance of unequal social groups, it will be a revelation.

"A powerful, cogent study that will provide an elevated basis for debates in the sociology of culture for years to come."—David Gartman, American Journal of Sociology

"A major accomplishment! Combining cultural analysis and comparative approach with a splendid literary style, this book significantly broadens the understanding of stratification and inequality. . . . This book will provoke debate, inspire research, and serve as a model for many years to come."—R. Granfield, Choice

"This is an exceptionally fine piece of work, a splendid example of the sociologist's craft."—Lewis Coser, Boston College

Genres: Sociology, Class, Nonfiction, Cultural, College, France

350 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 1992

About the author

Michèle Lamont is the Robert I. Goldman Professor of European Studies and professor of sociology and African and Africa American Studies at Harvard University.

Reviews

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ugh I think I read most of this a few years ago but for whatever reason didn't feel comfortable claiming it as read, maybe because it was for an exam and I associated completion with being tested on my knowledge or something? Anyway, sick of it appearing at the top of my goodreads page.

[✧ mads ✧]

reading list - sociology of culture

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is what you do! This is what you write when you have such deep knowledge of two cultures and the language and their behaviors and have access to be able to conduct empirical research to reveal new findings. Lamont's book compares how members of the Frenvh and the American upper-middle class define what it means to be a "worthy person", with analysis drawing on 160 interviews with 160 college-educated, white male professionals. Truly eye-opening and astounding conclusions. Lamont is a brilliant writer who lays out what she will reveal, how she came to the findings, and then takes you along for the ride

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic... but seriously, time for a new cover.