The American Class Structure in an Age of Growing Inequality
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Book Overview
Like its predecessors, the Ninth Edition of Dennis Gilbert's The American Class Structure in an Age of Growing Inequality, focuses on the socioeconomic core of the American class system. Drawing on classic and contemporary studies, Gilbert describes our class structure and shows how class affects our everyday lives, from the way we raise our children to the way we vote. The major theme running through the book is the increasing inequality in American society. Gilbert describes the shift in the mid-1970s from an "Age of Shared Prosperity" to an "Age of Growing Inequality." Using the most recent wage, income, and wealth statistics, and accounts of the shifting balance of class power in national politics, the author traces the widening disparities between the privileged classes and average Americans. He repeatedly returns to the question, "Why is this happening?" A variety of economic, political, and social factors are examined, and the competing explanations of influential writers are critically assessed, concluding with the author's synthesis of the book's lessons about the power of class and the forces behind growing inequality.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:1452203415
ISBN13:9781452203416
Release Date:February 2014
Publisher:Sage Publications, Inc
Length:328 Pages
Weight:1.32 lbs.
Dimensions:0.9" x 7.0" x 10.0"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Excellent source of raw data, but difficult to read
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
This book is not one I would recommend reading cover to cover. The conclusion that ends each chapter is sufficient if you need to skim the book quickly. However, it is an excellent source of raw data on issues of social class and stratification. An excellent book for anyone interested in or who needs to write on issues of social class. For a less scholarly but easier and quite visceral read, I recommend Class Matters, a collection of New York Times articles on social class.
Good Information, Lacks "Big Picture"
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
This book has a WEALTH of information on poverty and class structure in America. Any statistic you were looking for on the subject is probably in here. Additionally, the author addresses many of those 'tough' issues related to class: race, school inequality, welfare reform, etc. However, in the end, this book contains a lot of facts and figures, but not a lot of perspective. After reading this book, I was left asking myself: So what does it all mean? Where do we go from here? For me, the big picture was completely lost in all the little details. In conclusion, I think The American Class Structure in an Age of Growing Inequality can be a good reference book for compelling statistics related to poverty and inequality, but I don't suggest attempting to read it cover-to-cover.
Good when required
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
I bought this book for my Social Stratification class and found the information very compelling. However, the subject is presented in a very dry manner which makes the reading a bit difficult.
Thought Provoking
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
I found this book well researched, presented in a readable manner, and thought provoking. The book includes extensive lists of references and suggested readings. It provides an excellent overview of the American class system.
Very thorough and well researched
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
I read this book while it was still being revised by Professor Gilbert when I took one of his classes at Hamilton College. It was very well organized and incredibly thorough. It is a great introduction to the class structure system present today.
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