Social Classes and Social Relations in Britain 1850-1914 (New Studies in Economic and Social History, Series Number 19)

by Alastair J . Reid (Author)

• New

  Paperback
  1995

  $24.19

  The analysis of social classes and social relations in the second half of the nineteenth century has caused major debates among social historians. In this book, first published in 1995, Alastair Reid provides a critical summary of the different approaches to the subject, giving an account of how interpretations have developed since the 1960s, and highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. The author explains how the influence of social sciences in the 1960s led scholars to emphasise the rise to power of the bourgeoisie, and the increasing subordination of the industrial working class. Recently more detailed research has led to a return to the older historical emphasis on the persistence of aristocratic power, the increasing independence of the working classes, and the centrality of voluntary agreement in a social order based on consent. The conclusion suggests new ways in which the subject might be approached. A select bibliography allows the reader to pursue the topic in more detail.

• Used

  Paperback
  1991

  $5.38

  Analyzing social classes and social relations in the second half of the 19th century has been close to the heart of debates among social historians of modern Britain. In this book Alastair Reid explains how the influence of social science in the 1960s led to an emphasis on the rise to power of the bourgeoisie, the increasing subordination of the industrial working class, and the maintenance of domination by a strong form of control. He then shows how more detailed research in each of these areas has recently led to a return to an older historical emphasis on the persistence of aristocratic power, the increasing independence of the working classes, and the centrality of voluntary agreement to a social order based on consent.