The aim of this study was to investigate cultural factors often thought to be associated with social classes, leading to differences of attitude and belief and to variation in behaviour with regard to patterns of child rearing, and, more specifically, to investigate the proposal that working class parents do not understand the social and emotional needs of their children in hospital. Variables Social class (National Readership Survey classification); previous hospital experience; type of admission (accident, emergency, planned admission/readmission, unplanned readmission); explanations given to child about hospitalization; beliefs held about harm caused through lack of regular visiting; reported transport difficulties; satisfaction with information given during child's stay in hospital; frequency of visiting; use made of visitors' facilities; expenditure on transport and other items associated with child's hospitalization.