The Concept of Class: An Historical Introduction

Calvert, Peter

ISBN 10: 1032989106 / ISBN 13: 9781032989105

Published by Routledge, 2025

256 pages. 8.50x5.43x8.50 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # __1032989106

Synopsis:

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.

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Concept of Class: An Historical ...
Publisher: Routledge
Publication Date: 2025
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Brand New