Description
Book SynopsisIn Rugged Individualism and the Misunderstanding of American Inequality, the authors argue that the stronger individualism and weaker structuralism found in the U.S. compared to much of Europe ensures that American politicians do not face the same degree of pressure that European politicians do to develop and/or maintain robust and structurally-oriented social policies. Combined with racism and features of the American political system, this works to limit the generosity and effectiveness of anti-poverty and inequality-reduction efforts in the U.S. This helps explain why the U.S. compares so poorly to other wealthy countries on measures of overall poverty, childhood poverty, economic inequality, and social mobility.
Trade ReviewRugged Individualism offers an important analysis of working-class Americans who have lost ground economically and struggle to make sense of their plight using the available cultural resources. This book is creative, insightful, and original. -- Peter Callero, Professor of Sociology, Western Oregon University
Why is there so much poverty in the United States, a country with so much wealth? In a meticulously argued and well-written book, Eppard, Rank, and Bullock pursue this question by taking readers on a deep dive into the American culture of individualism. The authors' multifaceted investigation of this individualistic ethos and the powerful role it plays in limiting policy options is a tremendous accomplishment. Rugged Individualism is a must-read book, a timely and indispensible contribution to our understanding of poverty, inequality, and the workings of American politics. -- Edward Royce, professor emeritus of sociology at Rollins College, author of
The Origins of Southern Sharecropping,
Classical Social Theory and Modern Society and
Poverty and PowerDrawing on social scientific research, expert opinion, and everyday experience, Eppard, Rank, and Bullock reveal how that mystique of individualism has been used to justify ever-escalating levels of economic inequality in the contemporary United States. Rigorously argued and accessibly written, Rugged Individualism is a model of engaged public scholarship and collaborative social inquiry that invites us to take the critical first steps toward a more just and equitable future. -- Alice O'Connor, Professor of History and Directorof the Blum Center for Global Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development
Table of ContentsChapter 1 The Problem with American Individualism PART I: Social Science Perspectives Chapter 2 The American Inequality Palette Chapter 3 Social Psychological Functions of Inequality Beliefs Chapter 4 In Conversation PART II: Individualism on the Ground Chapter 5 Cleaning the Ivory Tower Chapter 6 Paved with Good Intentions PART III: The Big Picture Chapter 7 Inequality Beliefs and Social Justice Afterword References Index About the Authors
