White Working Class

Overcoming Class Cluelessness in America

De: Joan C. Williams

Narrado por: Liisa Ivary

Around the world, populist movements are gaining traction among the white working class. Meanwhile, members of the professional elite - journalists, managers, and establishment politicians - are on the outside looking in, left to argue over the reasons. In White Working Class, Joan C. Williams, described as having "something approaching rock star status" by the New York Times, explains why so much of the elite's analysis of the white working class is misguided, rooted in class cluelessness.

Williams explains that many people have conflated "working class" with "poor" - but the working class is, in fact, the elusive, purportedly disappearing middle class. They often resent the poor and the professionals alike. But they don't resent the truly rich, nor are they particularly bothered by income inequality. Their dream is not to join the upper middle class, with its different culture, but to stay true to their own values in their own communities - just with more money. While white working-class motivations are often dismissed as racist or xenophobic, Williams shows that they have their own class consciousness.

White Working Class is a blunt, bracing narrative that sketches a nuanced portrait of millions of people who have proven to be a potent political force. For anyone stunned by the rise of populist, nationalist movements, wondering why so many would seemingly vote against their own economic interests, or simply feeling like a stranger in their own country, White Working Class will be a convincing primer on how to connect with a crucial set of workers - and voters.

©2017 Joan C. Williams (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Thoughtful

I highly recommend this book for every progressive, liberal or Democrat.
I am what the author describes as a "Class Migrant". I grew up in the South very poor. & became my family's 1st college graduate. This book explores how to bridge the communication gap that often occurs between rural working class voters & the profesional class urban voters.
This book illustrate how to reach out & understand each other and empathize. It is a model for finding common ground & not writing off people who we disagree with.

White Working Class

This book offers a thought provoking analysis of the 2016 election result. I agree with much of what the author has to say; however, I believe that a lack of knowledge in basic civics as well as significant misogyny in the general population played a major role in the result. This book is well worth the read in adding to an understanding of what happened.

explains why Trump was appealing

lots of insight into class in the USA
belittling the white middle class is not the Way to go.

Highly Recommended

This book was a breath of fresh air and ignored media bias in politics. This book shows the importance to inclusiveness for everyone, not just the white elite or minorities. I think everyone needs to read this whether you are on the left or right if you really care about social justice. And if you've already made up your mind based off the title, don't. It's written by a democratic woman!

Excellent book

Though a short listen, there is a lot of food for thought for those of us who can’t understand the white working class’s continuing support for TFG.