{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.0268857356235997, 'fraction_numerical': 0.00597460791635549, 'mean_word_length': 5.261682242990654, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
Social class as a factor in the transformation of state socialism

The process of transformation of state socialist societies has been explained in different ways: revolution, ‘recombinations’ and ‘system change’. Elites and amorphous social forces, such as national movements, feature in theories as major agents of change. Classes have also played a major role in the process of change. Class analysis is distinguished by two different approaches: a political mode, in which class is dependent on political parties and ideology; and a sociological mode, which conceptualizes class as a determinant of political interest. In the latter sense, on the basis of empirical survey data, there are clear boundaries based on inequalities between class groups, there is a consciousness of class and an awareness of other classes. While it is conceded that other forms of self-identification (such as nationality) may be concurrent with that of class, the transformation of the post-communist countries has involved a revolutionary process in which endogenous and exogenous class forces have played a major role. This work is part of a study of Transformation from State Socialism, supported by the Leverhulme Foundation. His recent books include The Legacy of State Socialism (2002), and Russian Banking: Evolution, Problems and Prospects (2002).