Most people associate the theory of class conflict with Marxism, and its view that modern society inevitably leads to a zero-sum conflict between “capitalists” and the “working class.” But, ever since the 19th century, some libertarian thinkers have advanced their own theories of class conflict – ones that emphasize the division between those who bear the costs of government and those who are net beneficiaries of the state.
Unfortunately, libertarian class theory has many of the same weaknesses as the Marxist version.
This recent piece by libertarian writer Sheldon Richman provides a good summary of libertarian class theory:
[T]he [19th century economic] theorists whom Marx credits with teaching him class analysis placed in the productive class all who create value through the transformation of resources and voluntary exchange. The