
The Concept of Class
An Historical Introduction
Peter Calvert(Author)
Routledge (Publisher)
1st Edition
Published on 1. April 2025
Book
Hardback
252 pages
978-1-032-98910-5 (ISBN)
Description
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.
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.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Adult education
Adult education, General, and Postgraduate
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 138 mm
Weight
630 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-032-98910-5 (9781032989105)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
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Book
06/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
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E-Book
04/2025
Routledge
€73.99
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E-Book
04/2025
Routledge
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Content
Acknowledgements. Introduction. 1. The Classical Concept of Class 2. Class as Balance 3. Class as Struggle 4. Class, Status and Power 5. Class in Advanced Capitalism 6. Class in Socialist States 7. Making Sense of Class 8. The End of Class? Bibliography. Index.