Abstract
Recent discussion in stratification theory has focused upon the emergence of a "New Class" of knowledge producers characterized by an activist, leftliberal political orientation. Neoconservative theorists have interpreted New Class ideology as being determined by occupationally situated vested interests and competition with the business class for wealth, power and prestige. This paper examines the neoconservative model of New Class theory as applied by Peter L. Berger and James Davison Hunter to religious elites. Consistent with the neoconservative version, these theorists assume that religious members of the New Class are motivated by self-interest, despite moralistic claims to the contrary. This interpretation is analyzed with reference to the concept of selfinterest and it is argued that by ignoring the avowed motives of New Class members, Berger and Hunter impute motives in accordance with theoretical assumptions and political bias, and not empirical evidence.
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