Book Description
Why did the rate of homelessness remain at significant levels while the US economy was supposedly booming and hundreds of millions of dollars were spent in the homeless sheltering industry? Drawing upon five years of ethnographic fieldwork in a homeless shelter in Northampton, Massachusetts, Lyon-Callo argues that homelessness must be understood within the context of increasing neoliberal policies, practices, and discourses. As advocates, activists, policy makers, and homeless people focused attention on market-based and individualized practices of reform and governance, collective efforts that challenged an economy dependent on low wage jobs, declining housing affordability, and the dismantling of the social safety net were marginalized and ignored. Homelessness continued, despite, and partly due to, the limitations of the neoliberal approach.
Combining the rich detail of an ethnographic study with the systemic examination of political economic studies, this book offers a view of homelessness and inequality that is rarely explored elsewhere. Chapters include discussion of the medicalization of homelessness, the difficulty of finding paid employment given broader political economic conditions, how shelter staff are trained to manage homeless people, how statistics are used to produce ideas of homeless people as deviants, and how funding concerns affect possibilities for resistance. Key to the study is an activist approach that raises the possibilities and problems associated with a publicly engaged anthropology.
Customer Reviews:
An absolute must-read for sociology students .......2005-04-10
Written by an anthropologist who has worked in homeless shelters in Connecticut and Massachusetts, Inequality, Poverty, And Neoliberal Governance: Activist Ethnography In The Homeless Sheltering Industry is a candid, scholarly inquiry into the question: why has the rate of homelessness remained at significant levels despite a strong American economy and hundreds of millions of dollars poured into the homeless sheltering industry? Inequality, Poverty, and Neoliberal Governance systemically examines political economic studies, an ethnographic study, as well as individual case studies to reveal plainly a side of the homeless sheltering industry that is little talked about. From the flaws inherent in a system where a woman who wants to work cannot find a place to live unless she is falsely declared disabled, to questioning the overuse of medicalization to treat the homeless, to the special concerns involved in successfully helping homeless youth and more, Inequality, Poverty, And Neoliberal Governance offers unique insights into real-world problems and endemic industry flaws that leave the programs designed to help people at the mercy of the temperments of a few in charge. An absolute must-read for sociology students and field workers grabbling with the difficult problems of combatting homelessness today.
Book Description
World Poverty provides a general summary of world poverty at the beginning of the 21st century, then an introduction to modern world system theory and its attempts to explain world poverty and inequality. Separate chapters contain an overview of poverty in Africa, Latin America, and then Asia. Remaining chapters offer explanations for why some countries in the world (mostly in Asia) have become richer and reduced the ranks of their poor through ties with the global economy while others have not. Kerbo provides extensive evidence for why the nature of the state in developing countries is the most important factor in stagnation or even economic development with poverty reduction. But, in contrast to previous research and new statements by the World Bank, he has created a model attempting to explain why and how some countries have “good governance” and others do not. The book concludes with what we now know about world poverty and what does and does not work to reduce it.
Customer Reviews:
A Great Textbook.......2007-08-11
This was my textbook for my class in Sociology. However this book teaches about some history of the countries and how come they are or are not poor. This book discusses the inequities of the different aspects of each country. The book is timeless and should be read by all especially in our economy of now. I think it would also make a good economics book.
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Who Gains From Free Trade: Export-Led Growth, Inequality and Poverty in Latin America (Routledge Studies in Development Economics)
Vos & Ganuza
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Comparative
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ASIN: 0415770440 |
Book Description
Since the late 1980s, almost all Latin American countries have gone through a process of far-reaching economic reforms, featuring in particular trade, financial and capital account liberalization. At first the reforms seemed to be working as promised and trade expanded. However, at the turn of the century, the economies have shown unstable and rather dismal growth. Some argue trade liberalization is partly to be blamed for this.
Who Gains from Free Trade examines the extent to which trade reforms have been an important source of the slowdown of economic growth, rising inequality and rising poverty as observed in many parts of the region. This volume presents an comprehensive analysis of this important topic, utilizing research based on 16 country narratives of policy reform and economic performance; rigorous general equilibrium (CGE) modelling of the economy-wide effects of trade reform for all country cases; alongside application of an innovative method of microsimulations to assess the employment and factor income distribution impact of policy reforms on poverty and inequality at the household level.
The study finds that trade liberalization and the switch to export-led growth are not the cause of the growth slowdown in Latin America. Nor are they the cause of rising poverty and inequality. If anything, the impact on growth and poverty in general has been positive, but very small. Thus, further trade opening is neither the solution to the region's economic woes, nor should we expect any disastrous implications for aggregate poverty.
Book Description
It is often said that the federal government cannot or should not attempt to address America's problems of poverty and inequality—because its bureaucracy is wasteful or its programs ineffective. But is this true? In this book, Benjamin I. Page and James R. Simmons examine a number of federal and local programs, detailing what government action already does for its citizens and assessing how efficient it is at solving the problems it seeks to address. Their conclusion, surprisingly, is the polar opposite of the prevailing rhetoric—What Government Can Do is an insightful and compelling argument that it both can and should do more.
Customer Reviews:
A must read for concerned citizens........2002-07-31
This book is very informative about a whole range of social issues. Although it specifically deals with the American social scene it has an universal appeal. It dissects problems and situations like poverty, income inequality, lack of a fair electoral system, prevailing taxation policies, basic needs and "rights" of people, educational opportunities, homelessness, etc., and proposes possible solutions for them. This book dispels many myths associated with the poor and the needy. This book was a very agreeable experience for me and I will be promoting it among my friends. This detailed and thoroughly researched book will delight you if you are for Justice, Fairness and Equality. The book has a Reference section that is a treasure for progressive thinkers. Enjoy this book.
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The Inequality Paradox: Growth of Income Disparity (NPA Report)
Richard S. Belous , and
James A. Auerbach
Manufacturer: National Policy Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Economic Conditions
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ASIN: 0890681430 |
Book Description
A major report from the National Policy Association examines the increasingly contentious topic of growing income inequality in America. The Inequality Paradox: Growth of Income Disparity, edited by James A. Auerbach, NPA Senior Vice President, and Richard S. Belous, former NPA Vice President and Chief Economist, is based on papers presented at a major NPA conference in 1997 on the growth of income inequality, plus additional commissioned papers on this topic.
The authors, 20 key leaders from government, business, labor, and academia, point to three main factors that have led to an increase in income disparity particularly in the United States, but also in Europe: labor market forces -- including shifts in the world of work created by technological changes, globalization, and the decline of unionization; a growing diversity in the composition of households -- including the rise of single-parent families and families with dual earners; and policy changes -- including macroeconomic policies required to create a competitive and growing economy.
The Inequality Paradox provides an overview of the issue and then explores the dimensions of the problem. This is followed by chapters that examine the contributing causes and consequences as well as income inequality in other nations. The concluding section of the volume presents possible policy responses to growing income inequality.
Book Description
Revised following the 2004 presidential election, a graphic portrait of the growing gap between the rich and everyone else in America.
• In 1968, African Americans earned 55 cents for every dollar of white income. At the current pace, it would take 581 years for African Americans to achieve income parity.
• States including Alabama, Tennessee, and Virginia tax food and basic needs at a higher rate than income from investments.
• Welfare for very low income people totaled $193 billion in 2004. Aid to "dependent corporations" exceeded $800 billion.
This updated edition of the widely touted Economic Apartheid in America looks at the causes and manifestations of wealth disparities in the United States, including tax policy in light of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts and recent corporate scandals.
Published with two leading organizations dedicated to addressing economic inequality, the book looks at recent changes in income and wealth distribution and examines the economic policies and shifts in power that have fueled the growing divide.
Praised by Sojurners as "a clear blueprint on how to combat growing inequality," Economic Apartheid in America provides "much-needed groundwork for more democratic discussion and participation in economic life" (Tikkun). With "a wealth of eye-opening data" (The Beacon) focusing on the decline of organized labor and civic institutions, the battle over global trade, and the growing inequality of income and wages, it argues that most Americans are shut out of the discussion of the rules governing their economic lives.
Accessible and engaging and illustrated throughout with charts, graphs, and political cartoons, the book lays out a comprehensive plan for action. Charts, graphs, and black-and-white illustrations throughout.
Customer Reviews:
More of a primer.......2007-07-11
This book isn't bad. But the content makes it difficult to be entertaining. I would compare it to a college freshmen economic textbook. But it's not just boring text. There are interesting graphs and charts. And even some lame cartoons. But it's done very well and has some excellent commentary. It's almost entertaining. But again, it's tough to sit down and actually read content about labor unions and minimum wage and stay excited. But as far as the books that I've seen or read that paint a big picture of our economy and it's current state . . . this is the best.
Informative, important, and easy to read.......2007-04-17
Co-authors Chuck Collins and Felice Yeskel discuss the widening gap between America's rich and poor, and why it's in our interest to pay attention.
With clarity and conviction, Economic Apartheid In America details the reasons for this country's increasing disparity between the wealthiest and everyone else. It begins with a discussion of the societal risks economic inequality poses, including a decrease in family security, threats to our democratic institutions, and the decay of social cohesion. The book indicates that families in all but the highest earning brackets face declining real incomes, increasing personal debt, a virtual disappearance in both retirement and personal savings, and unavailable or unaffordable health care coverage. In addition, education and child care costs are on the rise and the federal minimum wage is so outdated it can no longer realistically keep a family of four above the poverty line.
The authors explain how high concentrations of wealth place excessive power in the hands of too few, primarily through political influence and corporate disenfranchisement of workers. This has resulted in an uneven playing field on which the wealthiest individuals and corporations enjoy higher income, numerous tax breaks, and greater returns on investment, while the poorest are expected to bear higher living costs, declining income, and an ever-increasing tax burden. The book also discusses the persistent disparities in earning power for minorities and women.
Collins and Yeskel point out that it wasn't always this way. In the post World War II era families in every income bracket enjoyed comparably sized increases in earnings, allowing a more even distribution of wealth and, with the notable exceptions of women and minorities, a greater level of overall prosperity. Now, in the post-Reagan era of globalization and the proliferation of "free-market capitalism," corporations have compromised wage-earner security through downsizing, outsourcing, and excessive executive compensation.
The book admonishes readers to effect change through the use of grassroots organizing efforts, the support of political leaders who favor limits on corporate welfare and an increase in the minimum wage, the reinvigoration of unionized labor, and the creation/adaptation of government social services that support working families. In addition, several strategies, from socially responsible investing to publicly funded elections, are offered as methods to close the economic divide.
Other notable topics discussed in the book include the Federal Reserve's over-aversion to inflation, the abuse of commonwealth resources, a cultural shift towards greed and consumerism, and the perpetuation of class divide via intergenerational retention of wealth. While at times the book suffers from a tone of activist desperation, overall it offers an informed summation and practical solutions for a critical issue facing society.
Book Description
The text is a current, concise treatment of America's ever-changing class structure. Updated throughout, this sixth edition focuses on change. Dennis Gilbert includes new data on topics such as the distribution of earnings and residential segregation by class to reveal a consistent pattern of growing inequality since the early 1970s. Why, Gilbert asks, is this happening? He examines change in the economy, family life, and politics in search of an answer. This book retains the strengths that contributed to the success of previous editions. It synthesizes the best empirical studies of class and inequality in American society, focusing on nine key variables: occupation, income, wealth, prestige, association, socialization, class consciousness, power, and social mobility. Critical attention is given to major studies, from the classic small-town ethnographies of the 1930s to contemporary analyses of national mobility data. Historical sections show how the class system has changed and continues to evolve. Two strong chapters examine the relationship between social class and politics.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent source of raw data, but difficult to read.......2007-03-05
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".......2006-03-04
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.......2005-10-10
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.
Book Description
Social Inequality: Forms, Causes, and Consequences, Fourth Edition conveys to readers a complex and up-to-date view of social inequality in the United States in a way that informs, draws them in, and encourages them to look at the inequality surrounding them.
The book is based on the assumptions that social inequality is multidimensional and that in order to deal with inequality and its consequences we need to understand the theories behind it. Taking a historical and social structural approach, the author simply but compellingly gives a sense of the pervasiveness of social inequality and how it affects us all.
For anyone interested in social issues.
Book Description
With the passage of the 1996 welfare reform, not only welfare, but poverty and inequality have disappeared from the political discourse. The decline in the welfare rolls has been hailed as a success. This book challenges that assumption. It argues that while many single mothers left welfare, they have joined the working poor, and fail to make a decent living. The book examines the persistent demonization of poor single-mother families; the impact of the low-wage market on perpetuating poverty and inequality; and the role of the welfare bureaucracy in defining deserving and undeserving poor. It argues that the emphasis on family values - marriage promotion, sex education and abstinence - is misguided and diverts attention from the economic hardships low-income families face. The book proposes an alternative approach to reducing poverty and inequality that centers on a children's allowance as basic income support coupled with jobs and universal child care.
Customer Reviews:
Repeated Failures .......2007-01-31
The authors have important things to say about poverty in the United States. One is that we citizens need to stop obsessing over the incredibly few individuals who will take advantage of any welfare program we can devise, and instead we need to start looking at the increasing numbers of genuinely struggling individuals who need a bit of assistance.
The United States' policies for dealing with poverty have not worked to reduce poverty. Based on flawed premises, they never have worked to reduce poverty and never will. When something isn't working, it's time to try something new. These authors point the way.
States the obvious - withthe usual liberal repeticousness.......2007-01-30
The quality of prose rather poor, and the text suffers from an abject poverty of originality.
Book Description
Flat World, Big Gaps critically considers the impact of economic liberalization and globalization on inequality and poverty. The first half surveys the major analytical issues in the recent study of global inequalities. The second half of the volume surveys recent inequality trends in various parts of the world including the OECD, the USA, Eastern Europe and the CIS economies, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, India, East Asia and China.
Books:
- Infidel
- Insight: A Study of Human Understanding (Collected Works of Bernard Lonergan)
- Invisible Girls: The Truth About Sexual Abuse--A Book for Teen Girls, Young Women, and Everyone Who Cares About Them
- Labor Economics
- Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining: Cases, Practice, and Law (8th Edition)
- Macroeconomics and The Global Business Environment
- Maintenance Planning, Scheduling and Coordination
- Major in Success: Make College Easier, Fire Up Your Dreams, and Get a Very Cool Job (Major in Success)
- Mavericks at Work: Why the Most Original Minds in Business Win
- Microeconomics Study Guide
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