Approaches to Class Analysis

by Erik Olin Wright (Editor)

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 2005 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?'

Genres: Sociology, Politics, Nonfiction, Economics

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Erik Olin Wright was an American analytical Marxist sociologist, specializing in social stratification, and in egalitarian alternative futures to capitalism. He was the (2012) President of the American Sociological Association.
Erik Olin Wright received two BAs (from Harvard College in 1968, and from Balliol College in 1970), and the PhD from University of California, Berkeley, in 1976. Since that time, he has been a professor of sociology at University of Wisconsin - Madison.
Wright has been described as an "influential new left theorist." His work is concerned mainly with the study of social classes, and in particular with the task of providing an update to and elaboration of the Marxist concept of class, in order to enable Marxist and non-Marxist researchers alike to use 'class' to explain and predict people's material interests, lived experiences, living conditions, incomes, organizational capacities and willingness to engage in collective action, political leanings, etc. In addition, he has attempted to develop class categories that would allow researchers to compare and contrast the class structures and dynamics of different advanced capitalist and 'post-capitalist' societies.

Reviews

[Fang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is stunningly informative and rigorous. On top of that, quite readable.

I attended a debate between Reason and Jacobin days ago in New York and was delightedly captivated by the forcible arguments given by Vivek Chibber, a professor of sociology at NYU. After some research done in a groupie-like manner, I found out about Mr.Chibber's direct lineage to Erik Olin Wright and thus started reading Mr. Wright's works.

Currently still working on the book while feeling grateful that such great minds and generous writings exist for us to immerse ourselves in.

[Debanuj Dasgupta]

seems like a good primer on multiple appraches towards theorizing Class.