
The Concept of Class
An Historical Introduction
Peter Calvert(Author)
Routledge (Publisher)
1st Edition
Published on 3. June 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
256 pages
978-1-032-98912-9 (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
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
304 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-032-98912-9 (9781032989129)
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Schweitzer Classification
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04/2025
Routledge
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E-Book
04/2025
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04/2025
1st Edition
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.