The Concept of Class

An Historical Introduction

Peter Calvert (University of Southampton, UK)

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Hardback

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English

Routledge
01 April 2025

Social classes; Political science & theory; Marxism & Communism; Socialism & left-of-centre democratic ideologies; Liberalism & centre democratic ideologies

Series: Routledge Revivals

Summary
Details

Originally published in 1982, The Concept of Class provides a concise and stimulating guide to the historical development of the concept of ‘class’ and the different ways in which it has been applied in social and political theory. The author begins by determining where and how the word acquired its political sense, and after a short re-examination of its classical background, moves on to consider Marx’s reformulation of the concept and his proposals for making it a fundamental term in the study of society. He traces the different strands of Marxist and non-Marxist use of the term right up to the twentieth century, considers the confusion of ideas that had resulted at the time, and analyses the utility of ‘class’ in assessing the nature of contemporary socialist states and post-industrial capitalist societies.

In conclusion, Dr Calvert suggests that class is an ‘essentially contested concept’ – that is, a concept on which agreement is by its nature impossible. Today it can be read in its historical context.

By: Peter Calvert (University of Southampton UK)
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 138mm,
Weight: 630g
ISBN: 9781032989105
ISBN 10: 1032989106
Series: Routledge Revivals
Pages: 252
Publication Date: 01 April 2025
Audience: General/trade , College/higher education , Adult education , ELT Advanced , Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active