20 The Varieties of Business Families: A Capitalist Class Perspective on Business Family Diversity

We employ social class analysis to bring fresh insights into the development of business families. We derive a typology of three archetypal business families based on social class influences that engender cohesion or division. We describe how the basis of identity, network preferences, and intergenerational solidarity may interact to configure cohesive and focused business families, diversified family business groups, and rentier business families. With this framework, we open up theorizing to distinctive patterns of intergenerational development, accounting for both business family stability and growth. We urge family business scholars to go beyond firm-based definitions to examine business family behaviour in the context of social class segments.