Class and Politics

The key argument presented in “Class and Politics” is centered in the notion that class can shape politics. In relation to the argument, there are three mechanisms that can help explain the intertwining of class and politics. According to Manza and Brooks the three mechanisms are economic interest, group identities and social networks.

One can note that economic interest at the corporate or professional level is the key factor that enables political decisions. Those who can afford to influence politics often do so. According to Manza and Brooks “affluent individuals and groups have long taken advantage of opportunities for political influence” (216). There are definitely contributions given to political campaigns or political candidates by affluent individuals. One can note that these contributions in the form of economic capital often are not only contributed by individuals, but rather by corporations. These corporations have an advantage because there economic contributions enable a political decision, which favors their organization or business.

Group identities also paly a major role in political decisions. However, group identities have to do more with voting than actual economic contributions. Consider African Americans, who tend to vote similarly despite their different class status. As stated in “Class and Politics,” “lifelong social ties arising from individuals class origins and current class location influences political behavior far more than those of mobile citizens” (206). This illustrates that class positions whether current or previous, tend to have a major impact on political outcomes. In addition, despite having different class backgrounds, African Americans seek for “the well being of all blacks because the historical experiences of African Americans have resulted in a situation in which group interest have served as a useful proxy for self-interest” (205).

Finally, social networks and the ability to obtain funds determine who will run. Thus, those with a higher social capital and economic capital will run for political offices. This may be problematic because those with higher forms of capital may favor the wealth, of course I do not mean to generalize. One can note that in fact class does matter in shaping politics in the United States.