'In this important and innovative study, Erik Olin Wright presents a challenging theoretical and empirical cross-national analysis of class relations and class consciousness … This study will be a key reference point in future discussion of competing approaches to class analysis and the place of class in contemporary societies.' Bob Jessop, Lancaster University

• 1. Class analysis; Part I. The Class Structure of Capitalism and its Transformations: 2. Class structure in comparative perspective; 3. The transformation of the American class structure, 1960–90; 4. The fall and rise of the petty bourgeoisie; Part II. The Permeability of Class Boundaries: 5. Class-boundaries permeability: conceptual and methodological issues; 6. Permeability of class boundaries to intergenerational mobility; 7. Cross-class friendships; 8. Cross-class families; Part III. Class and Gender: 9. Conceptualizing the interaction of class and gender; 10. Individuals, families and class analysis; 11. The non-effects of class on the gendered division of labor in the home; 12. The gender gap in workplace authority; Part IV. Class Structure and Class Consciousness; 13. A general framework for studying class consciousness and class formation; 14. Class consciousness and class formation in Sweden, the United States and Japan; 15. Class, state employment and consciousness; 16. Temporality, class structure and class consciousness; Part V. Conclusion; 17. Confirmations, surprises and theoretical reconstructions; Index.

'In this important and innovative study, Erik Olin Wright presents a challenging theoretical and empirical cross-national analysis of class relations and class consciousness … This study will be a key reference point in future discussion of competing approaches to class analysis and the place of class in contemporary societies.' Bob Jessop, Lancaster University

• 1. Class analysis; Part I. The Class Structure of Capitalism and its Transformations: 2. Class structure in comparative perspective; 3. The transformation of the American class structure, 1960–90; 4. The fall and rise of the petty bourgeoisie; Part II. The Permeability of Class Boundaries: 5. Class-boundaries permeability: conceptual and methodological issues; 6. Permeability of class boundaries to intergenerational mobility; 7. Cross-class friendships; 8. Cross-class families; Part III. Class and Gender: 9. Conceptualizing the interaction of class and gender; 10. Individuals, families and class analysis; 11. The non-effects of class on the gendered division of labor in the home; 12. The gender gap in workplace authority; Part IV. Class Structure and Class Consciousness; 13. A general framework for studying class consciousness and class formation; 14. Class consciousness and class formation in Sweden, the United States and Japan; 15. Class, state employment and consciousness; 16. Temporality, class structure and class consciousness; Part V. Conclusion; 17. Confirmations, surprises and theoretical reconstructions; Index.