A Family Business?
The Making of an International Business Elite

Professor Marceau traces the processes of social change and development of an international elite in Europe.

Jane F. Marceau (Author)

9780521125550, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 17 December 2009

260 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm, 0.39 kg

First published in 1989, A Family Business? goes beyond purely national studies of class systems and discussions of the processes of social change in any one country and traces the development of an international elite in Europe. Professor Marceau analyses the micro-strategies developed by both individuals and families to achieve or maintain high positions in the emerging business world. Using a study of young managers from twelve countries, she indicates the extent to which they rely on social, economic and cultural resources provided by families of origin and marriage for success in the high-risk competition for top posts, and she shows how common education, adherence to technocratic managerial and political beliefs, and shared experience of transnational careers are creating a network of 'parallel families' across Europe. She suggests how the emerging European business class is distinctively shaped by its international experience.

List of tables
Preface
1. Introduction
2. The creation of a new business Europe: the rise of the multinational firm and its managers
3. The routes to internationalism: family backgrounds, and education experience
4. Choosing a career: family edicts and school verdicts
5. Careers across Europe
6. Escalator or roller-coaster? Moving on and flying high in the businesses of Europe
7. Invisible resources: families of origin and marriage
8. A family of beliefs and character
9. Reaching the top: origins, competence and connections
10. A family affair
Appendix A. Methods of study
Appendix B. Coding of social origins
Appendix C. Basis of regrouping of sector categories
Notes
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Sociology & anthropology [JH]