The White Working Class Today

by Andrew Levison

In the aftermath of the 2012 elections some progressive commentators have drawn the mistaken conclusion that the Democratic coalition no longer needs to win the support of any significant number of white working class Americans. The high turnout and pro-Democrats tilt of youth, minorities, single women and upscale professionals in 2012 has led some political strategists to imagine a new "Obama coalition" that does not need to include white working Americans.

Andrew Levison's remarkable new book dramatically challenges this false notion and presents a compelling case that winning the support of a substantial group of white working class Americans remains absolutely critical for the creation of a stable Democratic majority.

The book very dramatically shows:

-That white workers remain a critical swing group in American politics.

-That white workers represent a far larger part of the workforce than is often thought.

-That white workers are not all "conservative" but include many progressives and moderates as well.

The book presents extensive data drawn from demographic analysis, opinion polls, focus groups and field research to buttress its dramatic conclusions.

302 pages, Paperback

First published April 18, 2013

Reviews

[Diana Eidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a great deal about the ways that white working-class voters view the world by reading this book. At times, the writing (and certainly the proofreading of the text) was of marginal quality, and there were pages and pages of polling statistics, but overall, the book thoughtfully and thoroughly presents the views of the white working-class in a way that makes sense. Levison also offers ways for progressive organizers to activate their base to bring centrist working-class voters over to the side of progressive causes. It's certainly a worthwhile read for anyone on the Left who wonders why working-class voters often vote against their best interests.

[Jiovanni Palomino · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book on understanding the white working class

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Webb/Warren 2016!

[Rob McB · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting perspective from a liberal Democrat.