Abstract
In the previous chapters, we have revealed the significant role of the state in promoting capitalist development via both its strictly physical and its ideological dominance. One question remains in our minds; if state control is so complete, how could any opposition emerge to challenge the existing authority, or even lead the authoritarian regime’s transformation to a more democratic one in which the state shares its power with the people? Echoing Marx’s view that class and class conflict are the major dynamics leading to social change, we argue that the degree of state control is related to variations in the social structure. As the process of capitalist development shapes class formation in a given society, a seed of instability gets buried into the social structure that will affect, to some extent, state power.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 1997 Yeun-wen Ku
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Ku, Yw. (1997). Class Division, Social Movements, Democratization and State Welfare. In: Welfare Capitalism in Taiwan. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230377875_9
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230377875_9
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-39964-2
Online ISBN: 978-0-230-37787-5
eBook Packages: Palgrave Economics & Finance CollectionEconomics and Finance (R0)