Routledge Max Weber on Power and Social Stratification: An Interpretation and Critique (Routledge Revivals)

First published in 1997, this book revolves around a textual analysis of the Weberian thesis that 'classes', 'status groups' and 'parties’ are phenomena of the distribution of power within a 'community'. An internal reconstruction of Weber’s own ideas on what is called social stratification in contemporary sociological discourse is undertaken. The reason for this reconstruction inheres in the fact that Weber’s thought (especially in the field of social stratification) has been modified and misappropriated to such an extent that Weber himself is usually lost in the commentaries. Moreover, this reconstruction is crucial because the secondary literature does not contain a single account teasing out the analytic structure underlying Weber’s statements on the nature of social inequality in various societies. It is the principal intention of the book, then, to retrieve the essential form and significance of Weber’s ideas on social stratification. Review ’Dr Brennan’s book makes a very substantial contribution to the continuing debate on the appropriate ways to think about class and about other manifestations of social inequality...an old theme, but the depth and rigour with which Dr. Brennan confronts it impart to it new significance.’ Gianfranco Poggi, European University Institute, Italy ’...one of the very best recent studies of Max Weber...wonderful critical theorising...a tour de force based upon sophisticated and sensitive scholarship and one which deserves wide international recognition.’ New Zealand Sociology Journal About the Author Catherine Brennan