Main menu For students For teachers Explore our subjects Student events & courses

Free Sociology resources

Topic Videos

Sklair & the Transnational Capitalist Class | A Level Sociology | Stratification & Differentiation

Level:
A-Level
Board:
AQA

Last updated 2 Apr 2025

Share this content:

This video explores the idea of the transnational capitalist class, as identified by Sklair.

Sklair & the Transnational Capitalist Class | A Level Sociology | Stratification & Differentiation

Leslie Sklair’s concept of the Transnational Capitalist Class (TCC) challenges traditional, nation-based understandings of power and class. He argues that globalization has given rise to a global ruling class made up of corporate executives, globalizing bureaucrats, politicians, professionals, and media elites who operate across borders. This class shares common economic interests and promotes global capitalism, often prioritizing corporate profit over national or social welfare.

The TCC controls key global economic and cultural institutions and influences international policies, shaping a world order that benefits global capital. According to Sklair, this class is not tied to any one nation-state but is instead aligned with the interests of transnational corporations and global markets.

Sklair also critiques the ideology of consumerism, which he sees as the cultural expression of global capitalism. His theory highlights how economic and cultural power are used to sustain global inequalities and marginalize alternative development models.

Share this content: