ABSTRACT

Most recent sociological work on the theory of class is based on a distinction between Weberian and Marxist approaches. For the first part of this volume, the authors use this distinction to review the literature on the middle class, concentrating particularly on the traditions of Marxist theory and of the more empirical work inspired by Max Weber. They show, however, that this distinction is of limited utility in reconstructing a theory of the middle class.

chapter 1|11 pages

The Problem of the Middle Classes

part I|73 pages

Contrasting Approaches to the Middle Classes

chapter 3|19 pages

Themes in Weberian Analysis

chapter 4|18 pages

Marxist Approaches I: Proletarianisation

part II|65 pages

Towards a Theory of the Middle Class

chapter 7|21 pages

Middle Class or Service Class?

chapter 8|24 pages

Causal Powers, Struggles and Politics

chapter |3 pages

Conclusion