Upper Class

What does it mean to be a man of wealth & power? How is the "worth" of wealth translated into moral worth in the identity of wealthy men? How does this identity comprise a mythical place of masculine desire in the social imagination of the American dream? These are the central themes The "Better Angels" of Capitalism explores. Beginning with a series of ethnographic interviews of a variety of wealthy American men, Andrew Herman draws upon diverse perspectives to present a coherent exploration of the sociopolitical implications of being wealthy in an economically unequal-& increasingly unstable-society.

Ross McKibbin investigates the ways in which `class culture' characterized English society, and intruded into every aspect of life, during the period from 1918 to the mid-1950s. He demonstrates the influence of social class within the mini 'cultures' which together constitute society: families and family life, friends and neighbours, the workplace, schools and colleges, religion, sexuality, sport, music, film, and radio. Dr McKibbin considers the ways in which language was used (both spoken and written) to define one's social grouping, and how far changes occurred to language and culture more generally as a result of increasing American influence. He assesses the role of status and authority in English society, the social significance of the monarchy and the upper classes, the opportunities for social mobility, and the social and ideological foundations of English politics. In this fascinating study, Ross McKibbin exposes the fundamental structures and belief systems which underpinned English society in the first half of the twentieth century.

Bound to be controversial, Who Rules Japan? is a study that expertly connects the country's economic, cultural, historical, and political facets. Kerbo and McKinstry explain how this new type of upper class has gradually spurned the "traditional" ideals of democracy in favor of an elitist approach that exploits the masses and causes ominous unrest. As a result, Japan is now confronted with a critical turning point in its history. The elites must choose between consolidating their personal power by continuing to resist change or beginning to make necessary sacrifices for their nation at the expense of their own privilege and prestige. The course they take will determine Japan's fate and the shape of the world order into the next century. Unique in its approach, this book will be of interest to scholars, researchers, students, and the general reader - all those interested in understanding Japan's inner struggle.

Chowning (history, U. of California-Berkeley) applies archival material to a wide chronological scope to investigate the role of elites in the failures of the Mexican economy and political system during the 19th century. Focusing the southwestern state, she shows how the two distinct economic collapses, after the wars of the insurgency and after the Reform of the late 1850s, were separated by relative prosperity. She believes the Reform should be seen as a watershed not just for the wealthy but for Mexico's political and economic trajectory since independence.

An examination of Latin America as a social system with an analysis of social processes and structures reflecting a society in conflict and change.