Abstract
Extends the discussion of whether social classes are dying. Three key assumptions used by many class politics advocates are specified, & an alternative model, the new political culture, is briefly presented. A test of the two models shows that (1) party ideology changes have varied considerably, 1945-1988, with some moving toward the new political culture; & (2) parties often covary as much with social as with fiscal issues; & (3) class politics is strong in some national contexts, but weak or minimal in others. It is concluded that further analysis should focus on where & why class rises or falls in importance, rather than whether it is or is not important in general.