Theory


Ideas and strategies from within the class composition tradition.

This section is structured around ‘issues’ and presents perspectives on working class struggle from the most advanced and relevant parts of theoretical debate. Where possible, it will develop on the basis of the research of composition presented elsewhere on the site. We recognise the ideas in this section often require experience of conversations, which can at first can appear difficult or abstract to those without prior knowledge. We aim to develop a series of introductory reading groups in order to build for the maximum amount of participation going forward.


For more details, see What is class composition?



Latest theory

'The Spirit of Buffalo', a sgraffito mural depicting a city by Joseph Slawinski.

Why Class Composition?
by Jamie Woodcock / June 10, 2026

Photograph of Farah strikers and supporters marching through the streets of El Paso, 1972.

“Little Scraps and Memory”: Lineages of Workers’ Inquiry in the US
by Patrick King / June 10, 2026

"Lenin" mural by Erich Enge on a building in Halle-Neustadt, Germany. The mural features Lenin’s face, surrounded by people reading and studying.

Workers’ Inquiry and Ideology
by Roberto Mozzachiodi / June 10, 2026

A black and white collage of various workers inquiry articles from the publication "Race Today"

A History of Workers’ Inquiry in England
by George Briley, Matthew, Dante Philp / June 10, 2026

A picture of Nanni Balestrini's collage artwork "Potere Operaio" form 1975. It is made up of many newspaper cuttings depicting sentences relating to workers' struggle and left wing politics in the 1960s and 70s.

Editorial: Why do inquiry today?
by Notes from Below / June 10, 2026

Crowd of protesters wearing red hats hold yellow "PCS" flags, standing near historic buildings.

Lessons for Unison #4
by John Matrix / Feb. 16, 2026

Picket outside freshwater house of Sage care workers, holding a banner which reads "Mr Freshwater staff at Sage nursing home deserve better!"

The Political Economy of Social Care
by Lydia Hughes / Nov. 17, 2025

A outsourced security guard uses a vuvuzela on a protest during a joint strike at the Science Museum and Natural History Museum. In the background, other workers and supporters carry strike placards.

Making a Scene In Arts and Culture
by Notes from Below / Aug. 22, 2025

An black and white image of trees and plants positioned over a larger colour image of plants and trees, itself positioned on a larger black and white image of trees and plants

Towards Disequal Transition: Notes on the Ecological Worker
by Joel Kilpi / July 9, 2025


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