ABSTRACT

This chapter considers some important dimensions of conflict and struggle which bear upon both the service class and deskilled white-collar workers. It analyses some general issues in the consideration of class struggles which are raised by Przeworski. It then focuses on the causal powers of different classes and on the conditions under which people may be realised. The chapter considers two such determinants namely, the constraints of organisation and some effects of the structuration of civil society. It then analyses both the diverse forms of 'middle-class' struggle and the variety of consequences that people have, especially on the struggles of labour. Particular attention will be paid to the professions and the elaboration of the division between mental and manual knowledge. The chapter considers some of the consequence of such forms of politics and more generally of strong middle classes.