Chapter V: Part IV: Social Classes

CHAPTER XVIII

THE HEREDITARY OR CASTE PRINCIPLE

Nature and Use of Classes—Inheritance and Competition the
Two Principles upon which Classes Are Based—Conditions
in Human Nature Making for Hereditary Classes—Caste
Spirit 209

CHAPTER XIX

CONDITIONS FAVORING OR OPPOSING THE GROWTH OF CASTE

Three Conditions Affecting the Increase or Diminution of Caste—
Race-Caste—Immigration and Conquest—Gradual Differentiation
of Functions; Mediæval Caste; India—Influence
of Settled Conditions—Influence of the State of
Communication and Enlightenment—Conclusion 217

CHAPTER XX

THE OUTLOOK REGARDING CASTE

The Question—How Far the Inheritance Principle Actually
Prevails—Influences Favoring Its Growth—Those Antagonizing
It—The Principles of Inheritance and Equal Opportunity
as Affecting Social Efficiency—Conclusion 229

CHAPTER XXI

OPEN CLASSES

The Nature of Open Classes—Whether Class-Consciousness Is
Desirable—Fellowship and Coöperation Deficient in Our
Society—Class Organization in Relation to Freedom 239

CHAPTER XXII

HOW FAR WEALTH IS THE BASIS OF OPEN CLASSES

Impersonal Character of Open Classes—Various Classifications—Classes,
as Commonly Understood, Based on Obvious Distinctions—Wealth
as Generalized Power—Economic Betterment
as an Ideal of the Ill-Paid Classes—Conclusion 248

CHAPTER XXIII

ON THE ASCENDENCY OF A CAPITALIST CLASS

The Capitalist Class—Its Lack of Caste Sentiment—In What
Sense “the Fittest”—Moral Traits—How Far Based on Service—Autocratic
and Democratic Principles in the Control
of Industry—Reasons for Expecting an Increase of the
Democratic Principle—Social Power in General—Organizing
Capacity—Nature and Sources of Capitalist Power—Power
over the Press and over Public Sentiment—Upper Class
Atmosphere 256

CHAPTER XXIV

ON THE ASCENDENCY OF A CAPITALIST CLASS—(CONTINUED)

The Influence of Ambitious Young Men—Security of the Dominant
Class in an Open System—Is There Danger of Anarchy
and Spoliation?—Whether the Sway of Riches Is Greater
Now than Formerly—Whether Greater in America than in
England 273

CHAPTER XXV

THE ORGANIZATION OF THE ILL-PAID CLASSES

The Need of Class Organization—Uses and Dangers of Unions—General
Disposition of the Hand-Working Classes 284

CHAPTER XXVI

POVERTY

The Meaning of Poverty—Personal and General Causes—Poverty
in a Prosperous Society Due Chiefly to Maladjustment—Are
the Poor the “Unfit”?—Who Is to Blame for Poverty?—Attitude
of Society toward the Poor—Fundamental
Remedies 290

CHAPTER XXVII

HOSTILE FEELING BETWEEN CLASSES

Conditions Producing Class Animosity—The Spirit of Service
Allays Bitterness—Possible Decrease of the Prestige of
Wealth—Probability of a More Communal Spirit in the
Use of Wealth—Influence of Settled Rules for Social
Opposition—Importance of Face-to-Face Discussion 301