Gustav Schmoller, disparagingly referred to by his opponents as a "chair socialist," presents his thoughts on the social question in this volume. In the first part of this posthumously published work, he traces the history of the division of labor, describes the nature of property, and addresses the emergence of social class formation. The second part is dedicated to the working class and social institutions, while Schmoller engages with the class struggle in the final part. Overall, Schmoller arrives at a conciliatory judgment in this strictly sociological study: "We are not yet at the goal of the transformation and educational process of workers and entrepreneurs. But we do see the possibility of a better, more peaceful social future, a lasting uplift of the working class, and a peace with the higher social strata.".