Bourgeois personality

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An upscale, well-kept California home, exuding an image of success and respectability.

The term bourgeois is a social label applied to an individual who is seen as typical of the middle classes, both upper and lower, valuing materialism and being respectable.^[1] Exuding an image of success through consumption, personal behavior, speech and intellectual development are common attributes of a bourgeois personality. As opposed to a person with radical tendencies or one who exhibits bohemianism, the bourgeois lifestyle tends to be more traditional, centered around consumerism and activities deemed respectable by the bourgeoisie. The term may be used with negative connotations, emphasizing the conspicuous consumption patterns, materialism and status obsession of a bourgeois mind-set.

[edit] Middle-class values

Sociologists such as Paula LeMasters have identified progressive values such as respect for non-conformity, self-direction, autonomy, gender equality and openness to innovation as middle class values in child-raising.^[2][3] Many values identified as belonging to the middle classes may be related to the needs of middle-class professions. Self-control, advanced expertise, as well as innovation are commonly important to succeeding in middle-class occupations.^[2]

[edit] See also

• American middle class
• Middle class
• Upper middle class
• Dandyism

[edit] References

1. ^ (2002) The American Heritage College Dictionary. New York, NY: Houhton Mifflin. 0-618-09848-8. 
2. ^ ^{a b} Gilbert, Dennis (1998). The American Class Structure. New York: Wadsworth Publishing. 0-534-50520-1. 
3. ^ Williams, Brian; Stacey C. Sawyer, Carl M. Wahlstrom (2005). Marriages, Families & Intimate Relationships. Boston, MA: Pearson. 0-205-36674-0.