Chinese Journal of Sociology

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Class Analysis in Contemporary Sociology: Theoretical Perspectives and Analytical Paradigms

Author 1: LI Lulu, Department of Sociology, Renmin University of China; Author 2: CHEN Jianwei, Department of Sociology, Renmin University of China；
Author 3: QIN Guangqiang, Department of Sociology, Minzu University of China   

  1. Author 1: LI Lulu, Department of Sociology, Renmin University of China; Author 2: CHEN Jianwei, Department of Sociology, Renmin University of China；
    Author 3: QIN Guangqiang, Department of Sociology, Minzu University of China
  • Online:2012-09-20 Published:2012-09-20
  • Contact: LI Lulu, Department of Sociology, Renmin University of China E-mail:lilulu@ruc.edu.cn
  • About author:Author 1: LI Lulu, Department of Sociology, Renmin University of China; Author 2: CHEN Jianwei, Department of Sociology, Renmin University of China； Author 3: QIN Guangqiang, Department of Sociology, Minzu University of China

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Abstract:

This paper systematically reviews the literature of class analysis in contemporary sociology and reveals the core of the class analytical perspective and pluralistic analysis paradigms. Firstly, the core of the class analytical perspective is the structural position defined by social relations and it provides systemic structural interpretation of social inequality and the related social phenomena. The essential difference between the class and nonclass perspectives can be summarized as “relational view” vs. “gradational view,” or “categorical models of class” vs. “gradational models of stratification.” Secondly, class analysis contains pluralistic paradigms including 1) macrolevel research objects (accounting for largescale social changes and social transformations) vs. microlevel research objects (accounting for the effects of class on individual attitudes, behaviors and life opportunities); 2) “structureconsciousnessaction” in analytical thinking (class as “collective actor”) vs. “structuresituationchoice”(class as “omnibus signal of life conditions”); and 3) differences in the theoretical origin, research object and analytical thinking leading to three different logics of explanation as follows, “the logic of exploitation and interest formation,” “the logic of situation or logic of rational action” and “the logic of structuration.” Class analysis would be an important conceptual tool to analyze China in transformation. Its pluralistic paradigms and logics of explanation can not only reveal the extent and form of class conflicts in modern China, but also explain the effect of class position on life conditions and social opportunity distribution, and more importantly, it can provide theoretical knowledge and information about the mechanisms for the causal relationship between the class structure and social outcomes.

Key words: class analysis, , social inequality, , theoretical perspective,, analytical paradigm