Most recent sociological work on the theory of class is based on a distinction between Weberian and Marxist approaches. For the first part of this volume, the authors use this distinction to review the literature on the middle class, concentrating particularly on the traditions of Marxist theory and of the more empirical work inspired by Max Weber. They show, however, that this distinction is of limited utility in reconstructing a theory of the middle class.
1. The Problem of the Middle Classes Part
1. Contrasting Approaches to
the Middle Classes
2. Some Weberian Theories of the Middle Classes
3. Themes
in Weberian Analysis
4. Marxist Approaches 1: Proletarianisation
5. Marxist
Approaches 2: Non-Proletarianisation Part
2. Towards a Theory of the Middle
Class
6. Unproductive Labour, Knowledge and Credentials
7. Middle Class or
Service Class?
8. Causal Powers, Struggles and Politics
Nicholas Abercrombie, John Urry
