Reading Classes: On Culture and Classism in America

by Barbara Jensen

Bernstein recorded and analyzed speech in different class groups (working and middle, all English) that pointed to different psychological frameworks and social orientations. Working class and middle class speech samples from his studies were different enough from each other to suggest that the groups used the similar language for different purposes. The middle class groups used language and discussion to think and argue, to display their individual ability, and to uncover differences of opinion and debate them within the group. The working class groups used language and discussion to find agreement within the group and to connect emotionally with one another. Bernstein discovered that middle class and working class speech “selects and makes available” different human qualities “from a range of human capabilities.” Class differences in speech were consistent and profound enough to point to different cultures (Bernstein 1962, 1971, 1990).