Overview

Class is not only amongst the oldest and most controversial of all concepts in social science, but also a topic which has fascinated, amused, incensed and galvanized the general public. But what exactly is a ‘class’? How do sociologists study and measure it, and how does it correspond to everyday understandings of social difference in the twenty-first century?   In a time when inequality has dramatically returned to the social scientific and political agenda, this accessible and lively book explores these questions and more. It takes readers through the key theoretical traditions in class research, the major controversies that have shaken the field and the continuing effects of class difference, class struggle and class inequality across a range of domains. This new edition covers the latest research and scholarship and includes extended discussions of race, the rise of national populism, and the reconfigurations of class in a global age. This book will appeal to students and scholars across the social sciences, and anyone wanting to get a handle on this provocative concept.

Full Product Details

9781509557196

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Reviews

‘Will Atkinson captures the richness of theories and debates about social class in a brilliant new edition that is both timely and topical. This excellent book engages with a highly contested area in a way that is both accessible and fascinating.’ Diane Reay, University of Cambridge ‘Atkinson’s book accomplishes two crucially important things: it explains why the concept of class is so confusing and, seemingly, muddled, while simultaneously demonstrating that it remains absolutely indispensable to social scientific research. This is a clear, cogent and, above all, useful book.’ Elliot B. Weininger, The State University of New York, Brockport

Author Information

Will Atkinson is Professor of Sociology at the University of Bristol.

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