In this study of politics in capitalist society Bryan Turner explores the development of citizenship as a way of demonstrating the effective use of political institutions by the working class and other subordinate groups to promote their interests. Marxist criticisms of reformism are rejected; it is shown that subordinate groups can achieve significant advances in social and economic rights, and that democracy is not a sham but a necessary mechanism for the pursuit of interests.
Introduction: What is the Controversy?
1. The Origins of Citizenship
2.
Politics and Reformism
3. Social Struggles
4. Social Movements
5.
Individualism and Citizenship
6. Conclusion
Bryan S. Turner
