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

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 Mannersis 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

Tables and Maps
Acknowledgments
Note to the Reader
Prologue: Sketching the Landscape: Some Illustrative Vignettes
Ch. 1: The Questions and the Stage
Ch. 2: The Importance of Being Honest: Keys to Moral Boundaries
Ch. 3: The World of Success, Money, and Power: Keys to Socioeconomic Boundaries
Ch. 4: Most of My Friends Are Refined: Keys to Cultural Boundaries
Ch. 5: Explaining National Differences
Ch. 6: The Nature of Internal Class Boundaries
Ch. 7: Implications, Contributions, and Unanswered Questions
Appendix I: Surveying the French and American Upper-MiddllӋ