Paper short abstract:

Presentation and discussion of life-mode theory, a theoretical approach that rethinks hegelian and marxist concepts regarding state and classes in the context of current transformation in Europe.

Paper long abstract:

> Life-mode theory works with two interrelated ideas about class and state. On the one hand it deals with the hypothesis that social formation is characterized by a coexistence of different modes of production. In european societies it localizes different variants of capitalist production, simple commodity production, public production and related diverse life modes which are conceptualized in a new and innovative way (wage-earners, career professionals, investors, traditional capitalists, self-employed etc.). On the other hand, those societies are a part of a permanent struggle for recognition among states. Every state is obliged to organize the social and economic life of the population in it´s territory in a way that it produces the resources which are necessary to oblige other states to recognize it. Currently, life-mode researchers deal with the transformation of European societies in the context of the economic crisis and the reformulation of life-modes due to neoliberal policies.