The absence of neat class divisions, and particularly the presence of a growing middle class, (as well as questions about the state regulation of social life which will not be addressed here), force us to abandon an old‐fashioned adherence notions of class struggle which associate definite forms of social consciousness with hostile camps. However, if we approach as something defined by experience and shaped by history, that is. as something arising from and giving rise to distinct modes life, interests, and local culture for workers, then we can usefully enquire into people's interpretations of their daily lives and experiences as being (or not being) class‐based. This paper describes the historically contingent reconfiguration of social relations in the town of Abanilla. Spain in the southeastern region of Murcia. It is based entirely on my own observations, drawing on life history interviews I collected in June 1999.1 am grateful to the session organizers for the opportunity to present this work in progress, and to Tony Gait for his comments.