Emil Lederer's Theory of the New Middle Class: Historical and Current Relevance of a Key Sociological Concept

Abstract

The article sets out to formulate a theory of the so-called New Middle Class (Neuer Mittelstand) which is drawn from the writings of the German sociologist Emil Lederer. To this end, prior to formulating this theory, the article briefly mentions contributions by other fellow German sociologists to this field of studies. Subsequently, Lederer's theory is being set in the context provided by contemporary formulations in stratification theory, such as those by Giddens, Parkin, Murphy, Goldthorpe, and Wright. The comparison has shown the presence of continuities, but also of fundamental differences, between such theoretical formulations. Based on Lederer's related work, an alternative theory of the Neuer Mittelstand, then is being put forward. This alternative theory, which has been reformulated as a set of mutually consistent statements, should not encounter the objections that may be raised against previous formulations. It concurs with Lederer's position in stressing the New Middle Class's expectations and requests of social honor as a status group and its inner heterogeneity as a cause of its social and political weakness. It adds, however, that the absence or scarcity of property of the means of production might carry more weight than insufficient social status for those Neuer Mittelstand members who aspire to social recognition and power.

Citation

Segre, S. (2021), "Emil Lederer's Theory of the New Middle Class: Historical and Current Relevance of a Key Sociological Concept", Dahms, H.F. (Ed.) Society in Flux (Current Perspectives in Social Theory, Vol. 37), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 113-135. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0278-120420210000037004