Logics of Class Analysis

In the second half of chapter 11, Logics of Class Analysis, Erik Olin Wright argues that there are three different types of causal mechanisms. These three types of mechanisms can be differentiated by unequal life conditions and individual attributes, forms of social closure, and the ability to control the activities of others. (336) These are referred as class-based individual attributes and conditions, class-based opportunity hoarding, and class-based domination and exploitation.

Wright mentions that most of the studies presented in the volume deal with individual attributes and life conditions, but that this type of mechanism is non-relational. That is, this mechanism ignores social determinants, "the relevance of social determinants always works through the ways they shape the characteristics of individuals."(337) More modern research focuses more in the structurally caused patterns of inequality.

Opportunity hoarding is a form of social closure, such as credentialing and licensing. This mechanism excludes those who are already disadvantaged from resources only available to advantaged individuals. Through opportunity hoarding, inequality is maintained by those who prosper by excluding the disadvantaged from the ability to better their life conditions. A type of relational approach, Wright argues that opportunity hoarding is a central theme of class analysis.

The third type of causal mechanism presented by Wright is barely represented throughout the volume. Domination and exploitation is a key theme of Marxist class analysis and it bears the strongest interdependence relationship between those who own the means of production and those who sell their labor to them. Mechanism three implies that "there is an ongoing relationship between the activities of the advantaged and disadvantaged persons, not just a relationship between their conditions."(341) All three types of mechanisms are relevant in class analysis and are enforced or maintained by power.

Wright concludes his argument by presenting us with a "more comprehensive macro-micro model of class processes." (345) In this model, a consideration of both micro and macro level systems is observed. It is a more dynamic and complex model in which all mechanisms interact together to create present and future conditions. Analysis of this type is necessary in order to avoid the constant class antagonism that persists in our society. According to him, class conflict is counterproductive and I agree, but it is in the hands of those who are in power to change our current system.