| Sumario: | The term class has assumed an importance in contemporary social theory in inverse proportion to its clarity as a scientific instrument for investigation of the phenomena with which it purports to deal. The scientific validity of social theory, like that of all theory, lies in its verifiability through empirical research. Systematization of social theory for pedagogical or other presentative purposes often leads to a worship of theory in itself. The major shortcomings of the previous social theories, that resulted in the formulation of a theory and concept capable of empirical use may be summarized as follows. The consideration of "class" as a social class was the fundamental error in all sociological theories concerning class. Secondly, consciousness of class would imply that a basis for class differentiation had been established and there is a need of defining a class by a quality not yet conducive to empirical recognition. Thirdly, the term "class" does not refer to a social reality because a community requires conscious participation of a community member, sharing of a way of life, common interests. Class in itself is a category of objective, material position. Finally, the basic criterion for redefining the concept of class is also given a brief view.
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