Synopses & Reviews
Few themes have been as central to sociology as 'class' and yet class remains a perpetually contested idea. Sociologists disagree not only on how best to define the concept of class but on its general role in social theory and indeed on its continued relevance to the sociological analysis of contemporary society. Some people believe that classes have largely dissolved in contemporary societies; others believe class remains one of the fundamental forms of social inequality and social power. Some see class as a narrow economic phenomenon whilst others adopt an expansive conception that includes cultural dimensions as well as economic conditions. This book explores the theoretical foundations of six major perspectives of class with each chapter written by an expert in the field. It concludes with a conceptual map of these alternative approaches by posing the question: 'If class is the answer, what is the question?'
Review
"I found this book intellectually engaging. Approaches to Class Analysis brings together recent theorists of class analysis from different theoretical perspectives, each of whom help unpack economical, social and cultural processes that allow us to understand what classes are and whether they have potential for mobilization. It should be of interest to students of sociology. In fact, I would consider it as a valuable addition to a graduate course in social inequality and stratification." --Reza Nakhaie, University of Windsor, Canadian Journal of Sociology Online
Synopsis
The idea of class is hotly debated both in academic sociology and in popular culture. Some people believe that classes have largely dissolved in contemporary societies; others believe class remains one of the fundamental forms of social inequality and social power. Some see class as a narrow economic phenomenon whilst others adopt an expansive conception that includes cultural dimensions as well as economic conditions. This book surveys six different approaches to the analysis of class, exploring the range of views on this important topic.
Synopsis
This book suveys six different approaches to the analysis of class, exploring the range of views on this important topic.
Synopsis
Sociologists disagree not only on how best to define "class" but also as to its general role in social theory and continued relevance to sociological analysis. This book explores the theoretical foundations of six major perspectives of class through the contributions of experts in the field. While some assume that classes have largely dissolved, others believe class remains one of the fundamental forms of social inequality and social power. Moreover, some see class as a narrow economic phenomenon, while others adopt an expansive conception.
Table of Contents
Introduction Erik Olin Wright; 1. Foundations of a neo-Marxist class analysis Erik Olin Wright; 2. Foundations of a neo-Weberian class analysis Richard Breen; 3. Foundations of neo-Durkheimian class analysis David Grusky; 4. Foundations of Bourdieuâs class analysis Elliot B. Weininger; 5. Foundations of a rent-based class analysis Aage B. Sørensen; 6. Foundations of a post-class analysis Jan Pakulski; 7. Conclusion Erik Olin Wright.