The idea of "class interest"-the set of social objectives of a given class-has been well explored in socialist thought. But what about the ability to realize these objectives? The complex tension between class interest and achieving class objectives is the guiding theme of Class, Crisis and the State.

The book is composed of three lucid and bracing essays, focused on a trio of the most contentious problems of Marxist theory. The first chapter advances a new class map of the United States today, including a rigorous yet dynamic redefinition of the working class. The second part focuses on classical theories of economic crisis in the West, such as underconsumption and financial instability, and their relevance to contemporary economic downturns. A concluding chapter examines the problems of leftist governments coming to power in capitalist states.

As leftist forces regroup and ready themselves for new electoral challenges around the world, Class, Crisis and the State remains essential reading.

A brilliant analysis of the class structure and crises of US capitalism. * Choice *
Erik will be remembered as the most important theorist of class in the second half of the twentieth century, and the greatest Marxist sociologist of his time. -- Vivek Chibber, author of Postcolonial Theory and the Specter of Capital
This book ... is an important contribution to current debates. -- Anthony Giddens * American Journal of Sociology *
On the basis of this book Wright stands high among Western Marxists. * Ethics *
An important contribution to the debates on class, capitalist crises, bureaucracy and the state. * Library Journal *

Erik Olin Wright (1947-2019) was Vilas Distinguished Professor of Sociology at the University of Wisconsin and former president of the American Sociological Association. He authored many books, including Classes, Interrogating Inequality, Class Counts, Deepening Democracy (with Archon Fung), and Envisioning Real Utopias