Description
Book SynopsisPositioning the minimum wage as a fulcrum for the most basic conflict underlying America's unique combination of democracy and a market economy, this title shows how a defense of the minimum wage built on a communal sense of responsibility rests on a strong tradition of civic republicanism and strengthens the hope for a truly democratic society.
Trade Review"A good description of the politics surrounding [the minimum wage] as well as those who are affected by it. Waltman also adds to the literature on agenda setting through his examination of enablers -- people essential for pushing issues onto the agenda and through to successful passage." -- Choice ADVANCE PRAISE "Does citizenship include the right to a decent wage? Jerold Waltman's succinctly written and well-researched book on the minimum wage answers a definitive yes. Rich in history, survey data, policy analysis, and incisive social and cultural study, this book demonstrates how the symbolic politics over the minimum wage needs to be taken seriously if this beleaguered but critical idea is still to make a contribution to the mix of contemporary policies designed to 'make work pay.'" -- Sanford F. Schram, author of Words of Welfare: The Poverty of Social Science and the Social Science of Poverty
