I Love Cynics!

Let me admit right off; most of this book went way over my head. I’m not an economist, nor a sociologist, and, as far as I can tell, that is the target audience. What’s Class Got to Do With It? is a collection of essays that seek to expose hidden issues of class conflict both in the American economic system as well as globally.

I found myself slogging through jargon filled verse trying to wrap my brain around the complex concepts presented in each essay. Admittedly, some of the essays were more difficult than others, depending on the writing style of the individual author. This is not to say I didn’t learn anything, though.

The goal of the book is to help you come away with a better understanding of how class struggles continue to perpetuate as global corporations seek to gain profit at the expense of the working class. The authors seem to define capitalist as someone within a company who holds power and has an influence on what the working class can do, gets paid, etc. I find this a flawed premise, as anyone, working class or elite, can have capitalistic goals or ideology. Business elite might have been a better term.

Class is shown to be dependent on a number of things including race, gender and political influence. It is shown that large corporations are increasing the number of people in the working class by taking on many low wage employees all over the world. Developed nations prosper at the expense of developing or under developed nations.

Do I recommend this book? That’s hard to say. It is a very difficult read for those of us without much education in economics. A good background in Marxist theory might prove useful. The book takes a decidedly liberal view, so approach it with your own opinions ready to be challenged if that is not your leaning.