White Working Class: Overcoming Class Cluelessness in America

Around the world, populist movements are gaining traction among the white working class. Meanwhile, the professional elite--journalists, managers, and establishment politicians--is on the outside looking in, and left to argue over the reasons why. In White Working Class, Joan C. Williams, described as "something approaching rock star status" in her field by the New York Times, explains why so much of the elite's analysis of the white working class is misguided, rooted in assumptions by what she has controversially coined "class cluelessness." Williams explains how most analysts, and the corresponding media coverage, have conflated "working class" with "poor." All too often, white working class motivations have been dismissed as simply racism or xenophobia. Williams explains how the term "working class" has been misapplied--it is, in fact, the elusive, purportedly disappearing middle class. This demographic often resents both the poor and the professionals. They don't, however, tend to 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. White Working Class is a blunt, bracing narrative that sketches a nuanced portrait of millions of people throughout the world who have proven to be a potent political force. For anyone stunned by the rise in 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.

“…will undoubtedly be another best-selling book”
New York Magazine

“The angst of the white working class in the US, who provided Trump’s core vote, is a newly fashionable subject. This short book combines the latest academic research with anecdotes and a down-to-earth narrative.”
Financial Times (Summer Reads)

“Dr. Williams, distinguished law professor at the University of California, clearly explains why so much of the elite’s analysis of the white working class is misguided, rooted in class cluelessness.”
Newsmax

“In her book, a readable volume of just 180 pages … Williams tackles issues from working-class resentment of the poor and professionals, and apparently contradictory support of the rich, to how elites gain self-worth from merit while the working class gains self-worth from morality.”
The Australian

“This book aims to help American progressive forces better understand the white working class, so as to bring this group back into a broad democratic coalition. It is clearly and powerfully written and effective and is a must-read for everyone wanting to bridge the cultural silos that are now defining American politics.”
Michele Lamont, President of the American Sociological Association and author of The Dignity of Working Men.