The adaptation of Warner’s Index of Status Characteristics (ISC)

Abstract

The paper presents the results of adapting Warner’s Index of Status Characteristics to present-day empirical research in Ukraine, namely in Kyiv. An expert survey made it possible to conclude that such characteristics as occupation, dwelling area and house type can be used for constructing an adapted index, whereas a “source of income” should be replaced by “income level”. The author made Warner’s original scheme applicable to Ukraine’s current class structure, which, in turn, enabled an updated interpretation of the six classes suggested by W.Warner. The new stratification scheme has underlain an empirical interpretation of indicators pertaining to income level, occupation, dwelling area and house type. Another important point is the formulation of new rules for categorising respondents according to the calculated values of Warner’s Adapted Index of Status Characteristics.