Domhoff on the Ruling Class

[billbartlett at dodo.com.au]

>From this letter, it seems William Domhoff is basing his conception of the ruling class on the idea that such a class rules politically. Of course the capitalist ruling class rules economically. Any formal or informal political or social connections are merely incidental, such links are not the basis for their power.

A ruling class does not necessarily have to be an oligarchy, it need not formally monopolise political power to effectively rule. Political pluralism is quite compatible with capitalism because the capitalist class rules economically. The capitalist ruling class's real basis of power is their control over the means of production, they rule over the economy.

Political governments come and go and  no matter their persuasion or sympathies, their real power is extremely limited. Pro-labour governments have little room to manoeuvre within this capitalist landscape. 

Bill Bartlett
Bracknell Tas