Product Description

The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina exposed to the world what many U.S. politicians and pundits have long been able to ignore. The media images that commanded our attention spoke loudly of the class and racial divisions that still exist in the United States today. Despite the stock market gains of the 1990s, which increased the ranks of millionaires and created greater wealth for those already wealthy, U.S. society has witnessed a dramatic increase in class inequality over that last two decades. A host of newly available research indicates that the United States is afar more classbound society than was previously supposed. The rich are becoming both relatively and absolutely richer while the poor are becoming relatively, if not absolutely, poorer.

More Unequal: Aspects of Class in the United States is a sobering examination of the dynamics of class relations today. John Bellamy Foster, William K. Tabb, David Roediger, Stephanie Luce, and Mark Brenner— among others— contribute essays that challenge many of our assumptions about class and provide a multilayered analysis. Topics include the impact of social and economic policy on class; wealth and prospects for the working poor; undocumented workers and their exploitation in the U.S. informal economy; race and class struggles post-Hurricane Katrina; women and class over the last forty years; and education reform and the devastating effects for public schooling. Editor, Michael D. Yates shares a personal story of his working-class life and values, the shaping of his political consciousness, and the people and ideas that inspired his teaching.

For the vast majority of us, a strong work ethic and desire to see the next generation in better circumstances are no longer enough. The barriers separating classes are hardening. Class inequality manifests itself in wealth, income, and occupation, but also in education, consumption, and health. More Unequal: Aspects of Class in the United States demonstrates that an analysis of society as a whole— its relationships of power, conflict, and potential for social change— is not possible without a thorough investigation of the role and meaning of class.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #481770 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-01
• Released on: 2007-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 205 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781583671597
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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About the Author

Michael D. Yates is associate editor of Monthly Review and editorial director of Monthly Review Press. He is the author of Why Unions Matter (Second Edition) and Cheap Motels and a Hot Plate (both Monthly Review Press).

Customer Reviews

These down-to-earth writings are sure to resonate with anyone concerned about the dynamics of wealth and class in America
Edited by Michael D. Yates (associate editor of "Monthly Review"), More Unequal: Aspects of Class in the United States is an anthology of essays by educated authors concerning issues of class, income, home ownership, access to health care, and power stratification in current American society and its recent history. Individual essays discuss race and class in New Orleans both before and after Hurricane Katrina; the history, composition, and modern-day role of the black middle class; what has changed drastically and what has stayed the same for women of varying social classes in the past forty years; and much more. Drawing upon economic theory, sociological data, events in history, and even personal experiences, these down-to-earth writings are sure to resonate with anyone concerned about the dynamics of wealth and class in America, not just economics and sociology professionals. Highly recommended.