Social Inequality and Class Radicalism in France and Britain

This book, first published in 1983, examines in depth the nature and sources of class radicalism in France and Britain.

Duncan Gallie (Author)

9780521277006, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 26 January 1984

352 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 2 cm, 0.52 kg

This book, first published in 1983, examines in depth the nature and sources of class radicalism in France and Britain and takes issue with some of the major theories of class consciousness and class action. Drawing on data both from detailed case studies and from wider national surveys, it shows that the conflict of class interests within capitalist societies can lead to sharply diverging attitudes to class inequality. It argues that the explanation of such differences cannot be found in some 'general' law of the evolution of social conflict in capitalist society. It must be sought in the profound institutional differences that exist between the two societies. In particular the study argues for a reassessment of the importance of the experience of war and of the way in which the business and political elite handled the social crises generated by war, in accounting for the long-term structural divergence of capitalist societies.

Preface
Introduction: 1. Social inequality and class radicalism
Part I. Conceptions of Class Inequality: 2. Class awareness and class identity
3. The conflict of class interests
4. Political power and class inequality
5. The national patterns
Part II. Sources of Proximate Determination: 6. The power structure of the firm
7. The influence of the trade unions
8. The influence of the political party
9. The power structure of the firm, the trade unions and the parties of the Left: discussion
Part III. Elements of Historical Reconstruction: 10. The revolutionary tradition
11. The agrarian roots of working-class radicalism: an assessment of the Mann/Giddens thesis
12. War and the crisis of legitimacy
Conclusion
Appendices
Notes
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Social issues & processes [JFF]