The Sinking Middle Class: A Political History

The Sinking Middle Class examines the history and political implications of "middle class" as both a concept and an identity in American society. Drawing on extensive research, David R. Roediger traces how this classification emerged and evolved from the nineteenth century through the present. Roediger analyzes key moments when "middle class" took on new meanings, including the rise of white-collar work, suburban expansion, and periods of economic upheaval. The book incorporates perspectives from labor movements, racial justice organizing, and economic policy debates to show how different groups have contested and shaped middle-class identity. Through studies of political speeches, media coverage, and social movements, the text demonstrates how "middle class" rhetoric has been deployed in various campaigns and policy initiatives. The investigation spans multiple presidencies and includes examination of both progressive and conservative uses of middle-class messaging. The work offers insights into how class identity intersects with race, gender, and political power in the United States. This critical analysis raises questions about the function of "middle class" as a unifying concept in American political discourse.

Readers note this book takes a unique approach by examining how the term "middle class" has been used politically over time, rather than focusing on economic analysis. Likes: - Clear connections between racial and class dynamics - Strong historical examples from labor movements - Documentation of how politicians weaponized "middle class" rhetoric - Accessible academic writing style Dislikes: - Some found the scope too narrow, wanting more economic context - A few readers felt it emphasized race over class analysis - Several mentioned the conclusion felt rushed - Multiple reviews noted redundant sections One reader on Goodreads wrote: "Insightful on how 'middle class' became code for 'white' in American politics, but could have explored contemporary implications more." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (42 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (16 ratings) LibraryThing: 4.0/5 (12 ratings) The book appears most popular among academic readers and those interested in labor history and racial politics.

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🔷 Author David Roediger coined the influential term "wages of whiteness," which describes how white workers historically traded class solidarity for racial privilege 🔷 The book traces the term "middle class" back to 1889, when it was first used extensively in American political discourse during debates about tariff policy 🔷 The Civil Rights movement of the 1960s coincided with peak middle-class status in America, with over 60% of Americans identifying as middle class 🔷 Roediger reveals how politicians since the 1970s have increasingly used the term "middle class" to avoid discussing poverty or addressing racial inequality 🔷 The author is the Foundation Distinguished Professor of American Studies and History at Kansas University and has written eight books on race, class, and labor in America