Politics, society and identity - Politics and society - Decline of class politics

4 important questions on Politics, society and identity - Politics and society - Decline of class politics

Why has the Marxist two class model been discredited?

Declining evidence of class struggle.
Even by the end of the 19th century, it was clear that the class structure of industrial societies was becoming increasingly complex. Not one system.

What lies behind the declining significance of class?

The emergence of postindustrial societies (a society based on service industries, rather than manufacturing industries).
--> process of de-industrialization.
- Clear political loyalties
- Strong union organization.
- More individualistic and instrumentalist attitudes
- Growing atomism and weakening of social connectedness.

The shrinkage of the traditional working class has led to the development of 'two-thirds, one-third' societies. What are these?

Two-thirds are relatively prosperous, a product of a marked tendency towards social levelling associated with mass education, rising wealth and consumerism.

The one third is called the 'underclass'. Suffers less from poverty as it has been traditionally understood  and more from social exclusion.
  • Higher grades + faster learning
  • Never study anything twice
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Discover Study Smart

The shrinkage of the traditional working class has led to the development of 'two-thirds, one-third' societies. What are these?

Two-thirds are relatively prosperous, a product of a marked tendency towards social levelling associated with mass education, rising wealth and consumerism.

The one third is called the 'underclass'. Suffers less from poverty as it has been traditionally understood  and more from social exclusion.

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

  • A unique study and practice tool
  • Never study anything twice again
  • Get the grades you hope for
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Remember faster, study better. Scientifically proven.
Trustpilot Logo