Approaches+to+Class+Analysis

This volume, edited by Olin Wright, contains articles by six authors, below the annotation refers to only the Introduction, Chapter 1 “Foundations of Neo-Marxist Class Analysis”, and Conclusion, contributed directly by Olin Wright. Following the annotation are notes on Chapter 2, “Foundations of neo-Weberian Class Analysis.” Subsequent chapters, not listed here discuss Class in contemporary “neo-Durkheimiam” by Grusky and Galescu, “foundations of Pierre Bourdieu” by Weininger, “rent-based” by Sorenson and “post-class” class analyses by Pakulski. __ E Olin Wright __ n __Neo-Marxist approach__ n __“Class analysis defines the core agenda of Marxist sociology.”__ n __“Class relations” are “Social Relations”__ q __Class conflict, class interests, class formation, and class consciousness “all derive their meanings from their link to class relations and class structure.__ “The Specific definitions and elaborations of the concept of class that have been explored in this book are shaped by the diverse kinds of questions class is thought to answer.” (p. 180) 1 What three quotes capture the critical import of the text?
 * __ Olin Wright, Erik. 2005. //Approaches to Class Analysis//. Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge & New York. (Edited Volume, selections). __**

“There will be two punch lines to this analysis: first, that the ingredient that most sharply distinguishes the Marxist conceptualization of class from other traditions is thee concept of [inherent] ‘exploitation,’ and second, that an exploitation-centered concept of class provides theoretically powerful tools for studying a range of problems in contemporary society.” (p.5)

“In what follows we will examine eight clusters of conceptual issues: 1. the concept of social relations of production; 2. the idea of class relations as a specific form of such relations; 3. the meaning of ‘variations’ of class relations; 4. the problem of complexity in class relations; 5. the meaning of a ‘location’ within class relations; 6. complexity in specifying class locations; 7. the distinction between micro and macro- levels of class analysis; 8. class ‘agency.’” (p. 9)

“Because of the ideologically charged character of many of the debates over class, the alternative frameworks of class analysis that we have reviewed often appear to be hostile camps, each trying to recruit supporters and defeat opponents. Students interested in class analysis thus often feel that they have to make a choice, to adopt one or another of these approaches to the exclusion of others. But if it is the case that these various approaches are organized around different mixes of anchoring questions, then, depending upon the specific empirical agenda, different frameworks of class analysis may provide the best conceptual menu. One can be Weberian for the study of class mobility, a Bourdieuian for the study of class determinants of lifestyle, and a Marxian for the critique of capitalism.” (P.192)

List of Reasons p. 28-30 List of Questions p. 180

2 What is the main argument of the text?

While analysis of class has been theoretically important it has also been rife with conflict between theoretical camps, the authors wish to suggest a truce, based on a division of merit to different camps for different sorts of questions about class, for example:

Marx focuses on exploitation and inequality as such in society as a whole economic system. “Exploiters depend upon and need the exploited” p25.

Weber focuses on class as determinant of barriers between subcultures, these substructures in society are marked my “Life Chances”, the ability to move from one to another, and to gain membership in new classes. p. 35

3 Describe at least three ways that the main argument is supported.

Careful analysis of contemporary theoretical interpretations of Marx, Weber, Durkheim, Bourdieu and divergent theory of class structures suggest different underlying questions as to the specific structure.

4 Describe the main literatures that the text draws on and contributes to.

Social Theory Class/Marxist analysis

5 Describe at least three of the text’s themes or topics that are of general interest in STS.

Method

2 Explain how this book could inform your research.

The book provides clear uses for theory, as a mechanism to help chose avenues to interpret data, and if one has data, different theoretical options to use in articulating and understanding that data.

NOTES:

Chapter II “Foundations of Neo-Weberian Class Analysis” pp31-50 By Richard Breen

“A neo-Weberian approach to class analysis rests on the construction of a schema based on principles that capture the major dimensions of positional differentiation in labor markets and production units that are important for the distribution of life chances.” P.49

Defines “Life Chances” p 32 Class is characterized by unequal life chances. P. 35 Distinguishes Marxist and Weberian p.33 No teleological evolution in terms of historical materialism. Less Dialectical. Less inherent conflict between classes. Markets are “forms of social action” Focuses on boundary to individuals, rather than permanence of class as whole. Goldthorpe Class Schema, p. 38-9 “disaggregated form” of class, identifies up to 11 classes in UK Mobility- Demarcation and Boundary Crossing is the key to analysis of Life chances p.43