The Conceptualization of Social Class

In: Studies in political economy: SPE ; a socialist review, Band 3, S. 17-36

Abstract

Critical attention has been focused on the working class position regarding change under capitalist productivity as a result of the competitive position of European leftist alliances in France, Italy, Portugal, & Spain, & the developing structure of popular disquiet in capitalist countries. Discussed is the theoretical position of social classes in capitalist societies from a perspective of historical materialism. Analysis of the capitalist economic structure reveals a capitalist class, production & circulation working classes, & an ideological class. Surplus value is taken from the production working class but not from the circulation working class. To ensure perpetuation of productive relations, ideological & repressive control is essential, with private property, contract relationships, & possessive individualism central to such maintenance. Institutions-political, juridical, police, military, educational, & media-buttress this position, & must be controlled if the working class is to achieve the transition to socialism. D. Dunseath.