Continuity and Change in Contemporary Capitalism

Continuity and Change in Contemporary Capitalism PDF

Author: Herbert Kitschelt

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 1999-01-13

Total Pages: 546

ISBN-13: 9780521634960

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In the early 1980s, many observers, argued that powerful organized economic interests and social democratic parties created successful mixed economies promoting economic growth, full employment, and a modicum of social equality. The present book assembles scholars with formidable expertise in the study of advanced capitalist politics and political economy to reexamine this account from the vantage point of the second half of the 1990s. The authors find that the conventional wisdom no longer adequately reflects the political and economic realities. Advanced democracies have responded in path-dependent fashion to such novel challenges as technological change, intensifying international competition, new social conflict, and the erosion of established patterns of political mobilization. The book rejects, however, the currently widespread expectation that 'internationalization' makes all democracies converge on similar political and economic institutions and power relations. Diversity among capitalist democracies persists, though in a different fashion than in the 'Golden Age' of rapid economic growth after World War II.

Capitalism, Class Conflict and the New Middle Class (RLE Social Theory)

Capitalism, Class Conflict and the New Middle Class (RLE Social Theory) PDF

Author: Bob Carter

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2014-08-21

Total Pages: 267

ISBN-13: 1317652177

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Non-manual workers are fast becoming the largest occupational category in Western capitalist countries. This is the first book to present a detailed socialist analysis of this much discussed change in the class structure of contemporary capitalism. Focusing on the class position of managerial and supervisory workers, Robert Carter takes as his starting-point the inadequacy of both orthodox Marxist and Weberian models of class relations. Rather, he concurs with recent structuralist theorists of class who maintain that there exists between capital and labour in the process of producing a new middle class. He parts company from the work of these theorists, however, in his insistence that the organisation and consciousness of the new middle class have also to be examined because of the practical consequences these have on class relations. The book therefore examines the historical rise of the middle class, both in the private and the state sector, together with the tendency of the class to respond to its changing relations with capital and labour by unionising. It is sharply critical of the dominant models of the causes and nature of white-collar unionism – both industrial relations and Weberian ones – and indeed rejects these models in favour of a perspective which views the extent and nature of middle-class unionism within the dynamics of class relations.

Divided Societies

Divided Societies PDF

Author: Ralph Miliband

Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA

Published: 1991

Total Pages: 277

ISBN-13: 9780192852342

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What is the meaning of "class struggle" in advanced capitalist societies? Recent political debate has tended to marginalize the question of class conflict, a notion seen as central by earlier thinkers of both the left and the right. In this study Miliband argues for the continued relevance and centrality of class struggle in today's Western societies and examines current examples of class structures and power relationships in the West. He analyzes the role of both labor organizations and new social movements such as the "green" and "feminist" movements in the class struggles of today and explores the ways in which the power elites and dominant classes seek to maintain the social order.

Corporate Society

Corporate Society PDF

Author: John McDermott

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2019-03-06

Total Pages: 311

ISBN-13: 0429718594

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The modem corporation, praised and condemned by thinkers from Weber to Bell and Dahrendorf, is the institution of modern society. Its enormous success has made it our premier social, as well as economic, institution, and modern society is increasingly coming to reflect the social structure, values, priorities, and hierarchies that have evolved within the corporation. So argues John McDermott in Corporate Society, an original and far-reaching analysis of the impact of the modern corporation on contemporary social structure. Combining business history with political insight, McDermott offers a systematic critique of the post-industrial order and the illusions it fosters. He warns against the development of a "post-society industry" in which the corporate order replaces democratic institutions as the primary organizer of social and cultural life, and he argues that the corporation harbors a set of explosive socioeconomic contradictions. The need to confront the challenges of this new order, with its potential for a uniquely modern class conflict, makes Corporate Society a crucial work for teachers and students alike.

Classes, Power and Conflict

Classes, Power and Conflict PDF

Author: Anthony Giddens

Publisher: Univ of California Press

Published: 1982-05-13

Total Pages: 664

ISBN-13: 9780520046276

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In recent years a remarkable range of new work has been produced dealing with class inequalities, the division of labor, and the state. In these writings scholars previously working in isolation from one another in sociology, economics, political science, and history have found common ground. Much of this work has been influenced by Marxist theory, but at the same time it has involved critiques of established Marxist views, and incorporated ideas drawn from other sources. These developments have until now not been reflected in existing course texts which are often diffusely concerned with “social stratification” and lack reference to contemporary theory. Classes, Power, and Conflict breaks new ground in providing a comprehensive introduction to current debates and contemporary research. In also connects these to the classical sources, concentrating particularly on Marx, Lenin and Weber. The book therefore offers a comprehensive coverage of materials for students who have little or no prior acquaintance with the field. Each section of the book contains a substantial introduction, explaining and expanding on the themes of the selections contained within that section. Classes, Power, and Conflict can be expected to become the standard text for courses in sociology and political science.

Recent Marxian Theory

Recent Marxian Theory PDF

Author: John F. Sitton

Publisher: SUNY Press

Published: 1996-01-01

Total Pages: 376

ISBN-13: 9780791429419

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Brings together prominent recent analyses within the Marxist tradition that bear on class formation and social conflict in contemporary capitalism and concludes that class relations continue to be important for analyzing the historical trajectory of, and challenges to, capitalism, although not in the way Marx imagined.

Encyclopedia of Government and Politics

Encyclopedia of Government and Politics PDF

Author: M. E. Hawkesworth

Publisher: Psychology Press

Published: 1992

Total Pages: 676

ISBN-13: 9780415072243

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This international Encyclopaedia provides a balanced, comprehensive account of contemporary trends in world, regional and nation-state government and politics. In 84 in-depth essays, in two scholarly volumes, it captures the global changes, both theoretical and factual, of the past three decades - to give an unprecedented overview of political science and political affairs on the eve of the new century. An essential resource, the Encyclopaedia of Government and Politics provides accessible, authoritative coverage of the disciplines, examining for example, political theory, processes and behaviour, policy-making, pressure groups, contemporary ideologies, international relations, and major issues in world affairs, such as nationalism, arms control and disarmament, human rights and democratisation. Written by experts in each field, the entries analyse traditional approaches (including access to non-Western sources), assess recent developments and chart the directions for future research; each topic includes extensive bibliographies and suggestions for further reading. The volumes are introduced and placed in context in an essay by Mary Hawkesworth, which advances the conceptual treatment of political science to a new level. The articles which follow are thematically arranged under nine main headings: Political Theory: Central Concepts, Contemporary Ideologies, Contemporary Political Systems, Political Institutions, Political Forces and Political Processes, Centripetal and Centrifugal Forces in the Nation-State, Policy-Making and Policies, International Relations, and Major Issues in Contemporary Politics. Key Features * 84 in-depth essays provide a current, balanced guide to international government and politics * Prestigious editors lead a worldwide team of specialists in each field * Clearly and incisively written to meet the needs of students, lecturers and practitioners at all levels * Helpful bibliographies - of new and classic material and suggestions for further reading * Extensive index of Topics and People