Book review: Maciej Gdula, Michał Sutowski (eds.), Klasy w Polsce. Teorie, dyskusje, badania, kontekst [Classes in Poland. Theories, discussions, research, contexts]

Abstract

In modern social studies, class theory is often criticized, especially by scholars heralding the advent of modernity or postmodernity who proclaim the end of class society. The usefulness of the concept of class in explaining human choices, strategies or orientations is frequently questioned. Traditional research based on class analysis inextricably linked to the works of Karl Marx and Max Weber is seen as obsolete, they are opposed to the thesis of the collapse of the traditional class order triggered by social development and differentiation of modern society. Furthermore, the class patterns that still are referred to (e.g. EGP) are criticized for their inability to grasp the cultural and symbolic dimensions of the social structure. One of the best known theoretical responses addressing weaknesses of traditional class analysis is the cultural concept of classes by Bourdieu, which, as Michał Cebula writes, offers a vision of class ‘different than it used to be – not as actual segments (large groups), but rather as an expression of the complex processes of resource accumulation...’ (Cebula 2017: 34).