The Ruling Class

This insightful exploration reveals the intricate connections between politics and business, as seen in The Ruling Class, focusing on Italy's ruling elite.

In The Ruling Class, the authors delve into the intricate dynamics that shape the formation of a ruling class and its pivotal role in society. They explore how this elite group can facilitate long-term growth by dismantling barriers that may hinder progress. Historically, the relationship between politics and business has been underexplored by economists, who have often left this territory to sociologists. This volume aims to bridge that gap, utilizing economic theories to shed light on the political economy of power.

Focusing specifically on Italy, The Ruling Class employs labour economics to analyze various facets of the ruling class, including the selection process of politicians, their career trajectories, and the allocation of managerial time. The authors present a comprehensive examination of the labour market for politicians, drawing on extensive data regarding personal characteristics, income levels, and performance metrics of those elected to the Italian Lower Chamber from 1948 to 2008. This meticulous research offers unprecedented insights into the political landscape of Italy, providing key indicators that have never before been compiled in such detail.

The second part of the book shifts its focus to the managerial class, featuring cross-country surveys that encompass managers from various European nations. Collaborating with the largest union of managers in the service sector, the authors present unique findings on social security records and time allocation practices among top executives. The Ruling Class thus serves as a vital resource for understanding the intersections between politics, business, and societal structure.