The Jordanian bourgeoisie composition and structure 1967-1989

Abstract

This study analyzes the composition and structure of the Jordanian bourgeoisie over the period 1967-1989. Both the study of the structure and composition of the social classes and their role in the political and social change are neglected topics when Jordan is concerned. On this basis, the main argument of this thesis is that the bourgeoisie is an important social class, whose study andanalysis can yield a better understanding of socio-economic structure and change inJordan. This study uses the Marxist paradigm as a theoretical framework to define the bourgeoisie as the social class that has the economic ownership of the means of production and appropriates the surplus value. Some Marxist theorems had to be modified to be operative in studying the bourgeoisie in particular and the class in general. This thesis adopts an empirical approach in studying the bourgeoisie. It first locates and defines the bourgeoisie members within the domain of the private sector, which is their objective context. It then analyzes their activities and investment strategies. This study analyzes the bourgeoisie into the possible fractions that come to exist according to their activities, investments and assets. It also examines the possibility of the existence of fractions in the domain of the bourgeoisie according to vertical dimensions such as religion or country of origin.