Synopses & Reviews
These sociologists and theorists, long concerned with the critical role in society of the middle class, trace its historical, structural, and cultural links with democracy since ancient times. They show how the middle class has been instrumental in spawning industrialization and capitalism. They consider the rise and decline of fascism and communism and the development of multinational capitalism. They reflect upon the decline of the working class, the growth of an underclass, and the need today to counterbalance the power of the rich and big business. They ponder how to break an iron cage of bureaucracy and to revitalize democracy. This socio-historical analysis from a neo-Weberian perspective deals with issues that are central to sociologists, political theorists, and historians.
Synopsis
This socio-historical analysis describes the critical role of the middle class in democracy, in class struggle, and in the development of capitalism.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [157]-169) and index.
About the Author
PETER KIVISTO is Associate Professor of Sociology at Augustana College.
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction: Capitalism, Democracy, and Class Balance
The Merchant Class and Democracy in Ancient Greece
From the Polis to the Nation-State
Industry and Democracy
High Technology Multinational Capitalism
Bibliography
Index