The Concept of Class (Paperback)

Peter Calvert

ISBN 10: 1032989122 / ISBN 13: 9781032989129

Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd, London, 2026

About this Item

Paperback. 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 Marxs 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. Originally published in 1982, this book 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. In conclusion, Dr Calvert suggests that class is an essentially contested concept. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from our Sydney, NSW warehouse or from our UK or US warehouse, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9781032989129

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Concept of Class (Paperback)
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd, London
• Publication Date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1032989122
• ISBN 13: 9781032989129
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

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.