SOC 235 (Inequality in Society): Class

Many activists worry about the same few problems in their groups: low turnout, inactive members, conflicting views on racism, overtalking, and offensive violations of group norms. But in searching for solutions to these predictable and intractable troubles, progressive social movement groups overlook class culture differences. In Missing Class, Betsy Leondar-Wright uses a class-focused lens to show that members with different class life experiences tend to approach these problems differently. This perspective enables readers to envision new solutions that draw on the strengths of all class cultures to form the basis of stronger cross-class and multiracial movements.The first comprehensive empirical study of US activist class cultures, Missing Class looks at class dynamics in 25 groups that span the gamut of social movement organizations in the United States today, including the labor movement, grassroots community organizing, and groups working on global causes in the anarchist and progressive traditions. Leondar-Wright applies Pierre Bourdieu's theories of cultural capital and habitus to four class trajectories: lifelong working-class and poor; lifelong professional middle class; voluntarily downwardly mobile; and upwardly mobile.Compellingly written for both activists and social scientists, this book describes class differences in paths to activism, attitudes toward leadership, methods of conflict resolution, ways of using language, diversity practices, use of humor, methods of recruiting, and group process preferences. Too often, we miss class. Missing Class makes a persuasive case that seeing class culture differences could enable activists to strengthen their own groups and build more durable cross-class alliances for social justice.

America has the reputation of being one of the wealthiest and most powerful countries in the world, yet within its borders social problems persist and negatively impact Americans. Though profound changes are taking place in the social, economic, and cultural contexts of America, they are precipitated by the urge for equal opportunity and social justice. Socio-Economic and Education Factors Impacting American Political Systems: Emerging Research and Opportunities provides emerging research on the most current issues facing the American public and political system. While highlighting the changes America is making in the social, economic, and cultural regions of society, readers will learn how these changes are coming to shape their lives in the country. This book is an important resource for undergraduate and graduate students and professionals seeking current research on how social, economic, and educational issues impact the American political system and policies.