Sporné postavení středních vrstev v procesu globalizace
Controversial Position of the Middle Class in the Process of Globalization

Summary/Abstract: The middle class has been viewed as a pillar of stability for centuries. This view is shared by the most political parties even stronger in the globalization era. Firstly, I try to characterize the very heterogeneous middle class by defining some common features. Subsequently, short history of development of the middle class offers a necessary background of their current position. Main attention is given to political and economic aspects of this development. In the next part I describe the most important economic impacts of globalization of the middle class, showing their ambivalent position. From this I derive their political preferences as well as their attitude towards the civil society. I draw the conclusion that it is highly improbable to expect stabilizing effects from the middle class - as it was always very heterogeneous - this fact is being further strengthened by the globalization process.

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