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An analysis of some central mechanisms of reproduction in advanced capitalism: a comparative study of the U.K. and Italy from 1948-1983

Vecchione, Ciro (1992) An analysis of some central mechanisms of reproduction in advanced capitalism: a comparative study of the U.K. and Italy from 1948-1983. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) thesis, University of Kent. (doi:10.22024/UniKent/01.02.86120) (KAR id:86120)

Abstract

The central argument of the thesis is that mechanisms sustaining the reproductive conditions in advanced capitalism, are based on a differential distribution of knowledge, skills and resources, which for the majority is rational and progressive.

This thesis seeks to understand, in a comparative study, the connecting mechanisms which operate during the structural, cultural and political development of society, and why pluralistic conceptions and individual choices appear to be consistent with relatively stable civil and political institutions.

The thesis first postulates a general proposition and critically reviews the foremost theories of social and cultural reproduction and more latterly resistance theories. It also outlines in some detail the theories of Antonio Gramsci and comments on its relevance in modern society. Secondly a critique is made of the functionalist approach to understanding social phenomena and its problems and usefulness in this thesis. Thirdly the importance of education is discussed in the context of regional differential development. Fourthly Gramsci's problematic of hegemony and the cultural development of society is argued in terms of why modern institutional democracy is able to resist radical political change. Fifthly all the various arguments are brought together so that the mechanisms are clearly identified. In conclusion, based on the visible development of the two cases, I discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the present cultural and political development.

This thesis therefore contributes to both our theoretical and empirical understanding of advanced society.

Item Type: Thesis (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD))
DOI/Identification number: 10.22024/UniKent/01.02.86120
Additional information: This thesis has been digitised by EThOS, the British Library digitisation service, for purposes of preservation and dissemination. It was uploaded to KAR on 09 February 2021 in order to hold its content and record within University of Kent systems. It is available Open Access using a Creative Commons Attribution, Non-commercial, No Derivatives (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/) licence so that the thesis and its author, can benefit from opportunities for increased readership and citation. This was done in line with University of Kent policies (https://www.kent.ac.uk/is/strategy/docs/Kent%20Open%20Access%20policy.pdf). If you feel that your rights are compromised by open access to this thesis, or if you would like more information about its availability, please contact us at ResearchSupport@kent.ac.uk and we will seriously consider your claim under the terms of our Take-Down Policy (https://www.kent.ac.uk/is/regulations/library/kar-take-down-policy.html).
Uncontrolled keywords: Political change; society; capitalism
Subjects: D History General and Old World > D History (General)
H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
J Political Science > JA Political science (General)
SWORD Depositor: SWORD Copy
Depositing User: SWORD Copy
Date Deposited: 29 Oct 2019 16:29 UTC
Last Modified: 22 Nov 2021 14:47 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/86120 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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