Marxism and Social Class

The aim of this chapter is to examine the development of the concept of ‘class’, within the Marxist theoretical tradition. First, we establish the centrality of this concept within the original writings of Marx. Second, we address some of Weber’s key criticisms of classical Marxist theory and discuss his alternative class schema. Finally, we analyse the manner in which modern Marxists have responded to both Weber’s initial critique and the changes in class composition which have occurred, particularly since the Second World War. In doing so we aim to illustrate the continuing utility of a Marxist approach to the study of social class.