Approaches to Class Analysis

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.

This book suveys six different approaches to the analysis of class, exploring the range of views on this important topic.

Erik Olin Wright is Vilas Distinguished Professor at the Department of Sociology, University of Wisconsin. His recent books include Deepening Democracy: institutional innovations in empowered participatory governance (2003), Class Counts: student edition (Cambridge, 2000) and Class Counts: Comparative Studies in Class Analysis (Cambridge, 1997).