Värdet av ett klassbegrepp

Abstract

[The value of a class concept] During the heydays of class analysis in 1970–1985, all class concepts were rooted in Marx’s value theory. Gradually, however, different interpretations of the value theory resulted in the emergence of two main tracks in the development of the class concept. Those who represented the interpretation called the labour theory of value gradually abandoned value theory and developed a class concept focusing on what people have, not on what they do. That has become the dominant definition of class. In his article Mikael Stigendal, in contrast, wants to highlight the use-value of a class concept drawing on the second main track, that which adheres to Marx’s value theory but from a different interpretation. Only such a class concept can meet the great need for a class analysis that not only categorizes people but thereby also says something about society’s economic driving forces, what people can be expected to do and what this can be expected to do to them, based on a focus on what they do, particularly in relation to the production and appropriation of surplus value. Publication history: Published original. (Published 20 May 2021) Citation: Stigendal, Mikael (2021) “Vardet av ett klassbegrepp”, in Arkiv. Tidskrift for samhallsanalys , issue 13, pp. 11–50. https://doi.org/10.13068/2000-6217.13.1