THE CLASS STRUCTURE OF A SOVIET-TYPE SOCIETY

Abstract

<p>The thesis examines the movement for industrial democracy in Czechoslovakia during the 'Prague Spring' of 1968. The theoretical framework raises the question of whether or not state socialist societies are class societies characterised by class divisions and antagonisms. Evidence on the workers' movement for democratic control of the workplace, together with evidence concerning inequalities of reward and opportunity suggest that the events in Czechoslovakia during 1968-69 can be interpreted in terms of class theory and concepts. The course of events supports the basic argument that conflict between workers and Party officials over the management of both the unions and the workplace represent a form of class struggle over the means of production and distribution.</p>