Economic Apartheid In America: A Primer on Economic Inequality & Insecurity, Revised and Updated Edition

by Chuck Collins, Felice Yeskel, United for a Fair Economy (Compililation)

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.

Genres: Economics, Nonfiction, Social Justice, Political Science

254 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 2000

About the author

Chuck is the director of the Program on Inequality at the Institute for Policy Studies, where he co-edits Inequality.org. He oversees a number of programs focused on wealth inequality, the racial wealth divide, and philanthropy reform.

Reviews

[Michele :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be required reading for every American. It is easliy understandable or the average reader and does not require any background in economics or policy. The book well supports its argument that the increasing economic inequality in the UNited States (and the world) is decreasing the amount of commnity participation, escpecially by the majoiry of working class individuals. This translates into an erosion of our democracy - our govermnet is now run by corporations and major donors, not the average citizen. The growing income inequality also means that people are working more hours, have less leisure time, and expereince less spending power than they did 20 or 30 years ago.

The final section of the book makes some recomendations on changes that need to be made and some basic steps of how to become involved in pushing for these changes. It includes a listing of organizations that individuals can connect to. Some of these changes may be unrealistic in the near future, but I believe they are needed changes and as a society we should continue to push for a fair economy.

You must read this book.

[Martine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this for a course in college recently and I dreaded the idea of a dry reading economics book. This book is anything but that. The book is easy to understand, includes many sidebars (it almost reads like the line of books entitled ...Made for Dummies) includes resources for additional information, and it reiterates the observations my husband has made over the past couple of decades regarding employment and our economy. The pensions our parents enjoyed and retirement at 65 are ideas that our generation may not experience. This book identifies the economic policies that have brought us where we are today and suggests how we can create a positive change for future generations.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book ten years ago. It was on my mind today, so I spent a bit of time looking it up and trying to remember what it was about. Basically, it's about right now.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wealth of current and historical data, presented simply.