The precariat and class struggle

Standing, Guy

Abstract

The world economy is in the midst of a Global Transformation that is producing a new global class structure. A new class is emerging – the precariat – characterised by chronic uncertainty and insecurity. Although the precariat is still a class‑in‑the‑making, divided within itself, its elements are united in rejecting old mainstream political traditions. To become a transformative class, however, the precariat needs to move beyond the primitive rebel stage manifested in 2011 and become enough of a class‑for‑itself to be a power for change. This will involve a struggle for redistribution of the key assets needed for a good life in a good society in the twenty‑first century – not the “means of production”, but socio‑economic security, control of time, quality space, knowledge (or education), financial knowledge and financial capital.

Citation

Standing, G. The precariat and class struggle

• Report Type: Other
• Deposit Date: Jun 6, 2014
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 6, 2014
• Pages: 1-12
• Keywords: class structure, economic security, precarization of labour, social welfare, world economy, precariat
• Publisher URL: http://www.guystanding.com
• Additional Information: Additional Information : English version of article published as "O precariado e a luta de classes", Revista Crítica de Ciências Sociais 103, Maio 2014, pp.9-24.