Editorial Review

Essayist and cultural critic Barbara Ehrenreich has always specialized in turning received wisdom on its head with intelligence, clarity, and verve. With some 12 million women being pushed into the labor market by welfare reform, she decided to do some good old-fashioned journalism and find out just how they were going to survive on the wages of the unskilled--at $6 to $7 an hour, only half of what is considered a living wage. So she did what millions of Americans do, she looked for a job and a place to live, worked that job, and tried to make ends meet. Read more

Reviews (979)

Next week on The Simple Life, Barb joins Paris and Nicole for shift work at the local Wallyworld!
She Made It Even Harder To Get By
Ehrenreich is the kind of journalist I despise. One who thinks her insights are so important that it doesn't matter how much she inconveniences others to make her point.
Bring your own grain of salt.
This is not a bad book, but it's not a good one. Although I certainly gained some insight from reading this book, I was disappointed (and surprised) by Ms. Ehrenreich's (or the editor's?) lack of fact-checking/ attention to detail, and/or embellishment.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Government - U.S. Government    2. Labor    3. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    4. Labor Economics (General)    5. Minimum wage    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Poverty    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Sociology - Social Theory    11. United States    12. Unskilled labor    13. Labour economics    14. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (20)

Great, Succinct Expose of anti-American Corporate Actions (4.5*s)
Many predicted that so-called free trade agreements, which ignore social, economic, and legal imbalances between First World and Third World countries, would be disastrous for American workers. Senator Dorgan was one of the critics of handing corporations a ticket for a ride on cheap labor, and he and others were right. The book is an easy to read expose of the consequences of free-trade. Wow, what an eye-opener...
The Senator takes some pretty complex subjects and boils them down so that average folks like me can digest them.I always had the impression that outsourcing was bad and that corporations did some shady things to maximize their profits.Now I'm convinced.This book shows me the money and names names.The truly surprising thing was exactly how much of an accomplice our own government has been.Read it--and vote accordingly.

EXPORT GOODS, NOT JOBS!
Senator Dorgan is not one of your wishy-washy politicians. He takes a stand on NAFTA and CAFTA: He's against them.He makes it clear that we're not just sending low-paid work to other countries, but we're rapidly losing our manufacturing jobs. Those are jobs that paid well and provided thousands of Americans with middle-class life-styles.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Contracting out    2. Government - U.S. Government    3. International Relations - Trade & Tariffs    4. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    5. Labor supply    6. Political Science    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Politics/International Relations    9. United States    10. Political Science / International Relations / Trade & Tariffs   

Reviews (4)

Clear and compelling
This book spells out in a clear and compelling fashion the challenges that American workers face in our global economy, and what can be done to stop the American dream from disintegrating any further.
Finally!
Finally, a book that tells the truth about what is really happening to the middle class in this country -- and more importantly, gives common sense solutions that could really turn America around. That's probably because it is written -- not by someone who has spent his life in academia or in politics or talking on TV or radio -- but on the front lines actually fighting to make work pay for working families. He's looked both employers and working people in the eye, and that makes all the difference. This book is interesting, personal, and visionary.

Best of its Kind
Informative, visionary, yet personal.This book is the work of a brilliant individual who is passionate about his subject.His views cover not only the story of labor,then, now and in the future, but its interconnection with governments and economies throughout the world. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Industrial relations    2. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    3. Labor movement    4. Labor unions    5. Political Science    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Politics/International Relations    8. Reference    9. United States    10. Political Science / Labor & Industrial Relations   

Reviews (21)

Read Soon, Before Your Crisis Arrives
Well Worth Reading! You've likely heard it said that the first step to solving a problem is recognition. During, and since, my reading of "The Impending Crisis: Too Many Jobs, Too Few People " I've been speaking with business people who confirm all I've learned from this informative "MUST READ".Fortunately, now I not only recognize the problem, I also see practical steps that employers can take to position themselves to make it through the current and increasingly turbulent, employee shortages. I've found the research based evidence in this book to be presented in a way that not only speaks to CEOs and their direct reports, but also to every person, in any organization, that is planning to remain competitive in local, national or global markets. The real issues that affect employees decisions to either remain with or leave (and in some cases, even flee from) their current employers, are well addressed with an insightful understanding of the needs of all stakeholders involved in any business venture, including the customer. Since reading this book, I find myself looking at businesses differently; I now closely observe employees that serve me as a customer and many times I can see and hear the lack of commitment they have to their current employment. On the occasions that I am treated well as a customer, invariably, I find, through conversation, that this person likes where they work and is not being driven away by any of the 5 reasons most employees seek other employment. The last of which, by the way, is the amount they're paid. I recommend this book to any and everyone that is in business or a part of the workforce, but especially to those organizations that want to avoid being left without quality skilled employees.

Wrong But That's A Good Thing
As consultants very often do, this author has relied on statistics and the outside-the-picture view consultants inevitably have, and has come to the wrong conclusion. I think he's wrong about the nature of the impending crisis because he is basing his theory on the assumption that baby boomers are going to retire in large numbers. Most baby boomers I know are never going to retire because they can't afford to. They are supporting kids in college, elderly parents and a lifestyle that they refuse to give up unless they are forced to by becoming one of the increasing number of 55+ people who are being laid off so employers can avoid paying their benefits. These laid off people are not finding jobs at all or if they are lucky enough to find jobs they are jobs that pay far less than the ones they had. Many employers are reducing or cutting off medical benefits for retired people and medical costs are so high people are having to get whatever kind of job then can to pay them.
Thwarting Impending Crisis
Herman and Gioia early on identified a critical problem the workforce is facing: a labor shortage.With downsizing and growth in new sectors comes the inevitable problem of a labor force that is not able to meet thecurrent demands.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Careers - Job Hunting    4. Economics - General    5. Employment    6. Forecasting    7. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Skilled labor    10. Supply and demand    11. United States    12. trends   

Reviews (1)

Best text on labor economics and labor relations
The authors do a good job analyzing the labor market conditons, and cover in great detail labor relations, go into some comperative analysis of circumstances in different economic systems. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Economics - General    4. Industrial And Labor Relations    5. Industrial relations    6. Labor    7. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    8. Labor Economics (General)    9. Labor economics    10. Politics / Current Events    11. Business & Economics / Economics / General    12. Labour economics   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Collective bargaining    5. Industrial relations    6. Labor    7. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    8. Labor unions    9. United States    10. Business & Economics / Labor    11. Business & Management   

Reviews (33)

Current and Comprehensive
Author Oded Shenkar provides up-to-date information, specific
Insightful and well-written
China is a quickly rising economy on the world stage and many liken it to another Japan on the horizon.However, there are as many differences as there are similarities between the rise of the Chinese economy and the rise of Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, or Hong Kong.These differences are critical if you are going to understand the impact this will have on the American and world economy.What is the legacy of China's history and how is that impacting their current economy?How is China dealing with (or not dealing with) the problem of piracy and bootlegging of legitimate products on the world market and how will that affect their position on the world market stage?The author deftly covers opportunities and challenges in the China market and in United States Chinese market.The Chinese Century is highly recommended for anyone who wishes to understand the Chinese market and the implications of that market for the United States.

A Window into Worldwide Change
For some time I have been concerned that China's ascent is more than a case of an emerging economy awakening from an extended period of slumber.
Read more

Subjects:  1. 2000-    2. Business & Economics    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business/Economics    5. China    6. Contemporary Economic Situations And Conditions    7. Economic Conditions    8. Foreign economic relations    9. International - Economics    10. International Economics (General)    11. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    12. Public Policy - Economic Policy    13. Business & Economics / International    14. Economics   

Reviews (82)

Hindsight proves Dobbs was 20/20 on the Exporting of America
It is interesting to read this book a few years after its publication and see how correct Mr. Dobbs was.The book was written in 2003-4 and the election year tension is evident in some areas of the book.However, almost three years later, the data is irrefutable that Dobbs observations about corporations sacrificing American workers for their own outrageous profit taking are correct.
Telling it like it really is.
Lou Dobbs has got it right.Our Administrations, past and present,Congress and Corporte America have sold us out all in the name of power and greed.This book lays the facts out in front of everyone to really show what has happened to America that at one time the whole world looked up to.When you depend on foreign souces for your basic needs something is wrong with the way America is governed and something is surely wrong when Corporate America has our governmnet in their pockets.Lou Dobbs should be congratulated on telling it like it really is.He has the courage to stand up to constant critizism about his views about outsourcing our jobs and outsourcing the future of America.A must read for all Americans worried about our future.

The Real Deal For Real People All Over the World
It is interesting to see the reviews of the people(mostly Americans) on this site. I am an Indian, and it amuses me to read your thoughts on these issues. You Americans have a lot of creativity, ambition, and vivacity; and that is a good thing. But you do not think deeply often enough. Job outsourcing is hurting you indeed, and how much more you will have to suffer, I do not know.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Contracting out    4. Corporations    5. Globalization    6. Industries - General    7. Labor    8. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    9. Labor market    10. Politics / Current Events    11. Unemployment    12. United States    13. Business & Economics / General   

Subjects:  1. Business/Economics    2. Collective Bargaining    3. Development - Business Development    4. Entrepreneurship    5. Industrial And Labor Relations    6. Industrial relations    7. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    8. Political Science    9. Politics / Current Events    10. United States    11. Business & Economics / Human Resources & Personnel Management   

Editorial Review

Read more

Reviews (55)

hundreds and hundres of interviews with many follow-ups years later...
...is how Shipler wrote this book. He talked to working poor all over America, in cities and in rural areas. He talked to their teachers, counselors, doctors, lawyers, bosses and social workers.
Great Book
In this book, David Shipler addressed many topics which are often undiscussed in American society. His non-judgmental assessment of the personal & institutional causes perpetuating working-class poverty was phenomenal. The narratives he used supplemented the usual facts and figures.

A thoughtful and compassionate read
This is a pretty long book, but the storytelling and people we meet make it an enjoyable and engaging read. I especially appreciate the author's summary and his thoughtful exploration of ways to combat and alleviate poverty. No easy answers, but a lot of compassion. I still think about it daily. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Economic Situations And Conditions    2. Economic conditions    3. Economics - General    4. Finance, Personal    5. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    6. Poor    7. Poverty    8. Social Classes    9. Social Science    10. Sociology    11. Sociology - General    12. United States    13. Wages    14. Working class    15. Social Science / Sociology / General   

Reviews (4)

Nice book
almost the same as the newer addition , has all the things you ned to know about labor economics

A very interesting textbook about labor economics
I was a teaching assistant in a labor economics undergraduate course in Northwestern University that used this book. I found it very interesting and full of real-world examples and discussions. The mathematical level is simple and therefore the book is accessible also to students with only little background in mathematics or economics. The exposition is clear. About half of the problems and the review questions are solved at the end of the book, making it possible for the reader to practice and test her understanding of the material. I believe that most students can understand most of the material in the book even without taking a formal course in labor economics, and therefore I recommend it to anyone who is interested in the functioning of labor markets.

A helpful and informative book
I bought this book to use for my Labor Economics class at Cornell University. My professor, Professor Smith, is a contributor to this book and it was a wonderful supplement to the lectures. The book is filled withuseful information and practical applications, so its appeal is not limitedto economics students, but anyone who wishes to know more about payrolltaxes, policy applications, work incentives and the like. Thiseasy-to-understand book benefited me a lot and Iwould recommend its useto other courses in labor economics at other colleges and universities. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Economics - General    4. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    5. Labor economics    6. Labor policy    7. Personnel management    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Business & Economics / Economics / General    10. Labour economics   

Reviews (3)

Timely Relevance
The recent implosion of the AFL-CIO with three major unions seceding has turned this fascinating historical perspective on the Building Trades Unions decline into must reading to understand current events.

Freedom in the Workplace
When I got a copy of "Freedom In The Workplace" by Samuel Cook, I put it aside thinking that it was a history of the Associated Builders and Contractors and that I would read it when I had the time.
A rare literary accomplishment with scrupulous attention to historical truth and detail
This piece of literary genius is a must read for students and workers in both the public and private sectors who value our free enterprise system.Mr. Cook, through personal and historical documentary, chronicles the many struggles faced by Americans in their quest for freedom in America; namely among our most precious freedoms...the right to work. A valuable lesson underscoring our fundamental rights under the constitution, this book provides exemplary leadership principles for those in virtually every segment of our society. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Associated Builders & Contract    2. Building trades    3. Construction Management    4. Construction industry    5. History    6. History Of Specific Companies    7. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    8. Labor & Industrial Relations - Unions    9. Management    10. Open and closed shop    11. Political Science    12. Politics / Current Events    13. Politics/International Relations    14. United States    15. Political Science / General   

Reviews (23)

A good diagnosis but wacky solutions
Louis Uchitelle does a nice job of highlighting the mental and social trauma that often comes from being laid-off, and he arguesg that these non-economic dimensions of layoffs do not get enough attention.
Masterful exposition on employment issues
This excellent book examines the phenomenon of job insecurity in America. Author and newspaper reporter Louis Uchitelle traces the development and decline of the American expectation of stable, remunerative, virtually lifetime employment. Republicans may have taken the boldest steps in rolling back the expectation of job security (Ronald Reagan's firing of the air traffic controllers spoke eloquently for the new order), but they did not do so alone or unopposed. Democratic presidents and politicians did not make preventing layoffs a major campaign issue or administrative priority. Uchitelle writes smoothly and evocatively, particularly about the individual experiences of laid-off workers for whom the surviving avenues of American opportunity were dead ends. We recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what killed the historic American trust between workers and employers, and how to staunch the bleeding caused by layoffs.

Not a disposable book - highly recommended
As a career consultant I talk to people who have experienced layoffs first-hand. As author Uchitelle observes, layoffs take an enormous toll on individuals and we have only begun to calculate the cost to society. He accurately compares diverse responses to layoffs, from paralyzing depression to proactive coping. And, unlike many authors, he demonstrates the toll a layoff can take on an entire family.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Ethics    4. Business/Economics    5. Dismissal of    6. Displaced workers    7. Economic Conditions    8. Employees    9. Labor    10. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    11. Labor Market    12. Unemployed    13. United States    14. Business & Economics / Business Ethics   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Businesswomen    5. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    6. Management - General    7. Women In Management    8. Women executives    9. Women in the professions    10. Women's Studies - General    11. Business & Management    12. Economics, Finance, Business and Industry   

Reviews (4)

Fairly good - Not excellent
I just took a college level class in which we used this book as the textbook.There is a lot of good information inside which provides a good introduction to the novice on how the process of collective bargaining works.It begins with the history of how it started and continues through the specific issues that collective bargaining entails.There is even a copy of the National Labor Relations Act in the back of the book.
Great Book
Great book for the novice negotiator or student.Current, easy to read, practical examples.

Concise & complete
The authors provide a complete & concise discussion of the process of collective bargaining within a general labor relations context. Many, current cases, tips from experts, and historical references help present the concepts. A solid text for the novice negotiator or interested student. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Collective Bargaining    3. Collective labor agreements    4. Human Resources & Personnel Management    5. Industrial And Labor Relations    6. Industrial relations    7. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    8. Political Science    9. Politics/International Relations    10. United States    11. Business & Economics / Human Resources & Personnel Management    12. Employment & labour law   

Reviews (3)

A selection of seven articles that Steinbeck wrote in 1936
Readers seeking a full experience of John Steinbeck's literary style won't want to miss Harvest Gypsies, a selection of seven articles that Steinbeck wrote in 1936 about the plight of migrant farmworkers during the Dust Bowl migration. Black and white photos accompany his report on conditions and experiences, weaving a masterful selection of insights which go beyond history into personal observation.

Was It Really A Novel?
Were the "Grapes of Wrath" published today, it may like other recent books, have been classified as historical fiction as opposed to a novel. I am thinking specifically of "Artemisia" that was published as both in different countries. How the work is classified is not critical, as either way it is one of the finest pieces of literature that has been written, and for many people, Steinbeck's finest work.