MARKET TRANSITION: AN ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE OF THE FIELD.

The article provides a review and evaluation of sociological research that explores the two aspects of transition from socialism to some form of market system, the nature of the transition process and the consequences of transition for stratification and mobility. The authors look into the two theoretical approaches, institutional and corporatist, that have been the focus of debate regarding transition and evaluate the empirical evidence for each. They also argue that empirical evidence provides support for elements of each but that detailed scope conditions and more nuanced arguments are critical.