The Class Location of Families: A Refined Classification and Analysis

Abstract

While the class location of families has received considerable attention in recent years, existing research has adopted quite divergent approaches in defining those locations. This inconsistency is symptomatic of a number of unresolved practical problems associated with classifying the class composition of families. This analysis identifies these problems and suggests ways in which they might be overcome. It argues that rather than adopting a simple categorical distinction between class homogeneous and class heterogeneous families, it is important to distinguish between levels or degrees of class heterogeneity. A strategy for doing so is outlined, and its advantages in distinguishing different types of class locations are demonstrated through an analysis of class identity.