In a research study, a participant identifies themselves as middle class based on their income level, while another participant identifies as middle class based on their lifestyle and values. How should these self-identifications be categorized in the context of sociological research on class?

In sociological research, class can be understood in different ways, such as by income or by lifestyle and values. The first participant identifies as middle class because of their income level, which is a common way to define social class in terms of economic status. The second participant, however, sees themselves as middle class based on their lifestyle and values, which highlights a more subjective view of class that includes cultural aspects. Both identifications are important because they show that class is not just about money; it also involves how people live and what they believe. For example, someone might earn a high income but still feel connected to middle-class values, like community involvement or modest living, which illustrates the complexity of social class in society.