Objectives:

• Explain how globalization and deindustrialization affect class structure and functions in postindustrial societies like the United States
• Understand the relationships between class, race, ethnicity, gender, identity and culture in postindustrial societies
• Analyze the role that class plays in the origin, persistence and expression of the PIN of interest to you
• Share ideas about the role of class in postindustrial society and the public policies that affect class structure, particularly policies related to your PIN

Required Readings

Flemmen, M., Jarness, V. & Rosenlund, L. (2018) Social space and cultural class divisions: The forms of capital and contemporary lifestyle differentiation. British Journal of Sociology 69(1):124-153. DOI: 10.1111/1468-4446.12295.

Frymer, P. & Grumbach, J.M. (2021) Labor unions and white racial politics. American Journal of Political Science 64(1):225-240.

Think Tank 3. Identify materials that you have found in the three think tanks you selected that discuss the ways in which globalization and deindustrialization have affected concepts of class, labor organization (like unions), and the structure of the workforce, particularly in the United States. Look for ideas that you can use to help you formulate policy recommendations in Assignment 3.

Read TWO ARTICLES, ONE from List A and ONE from List B in the Week 11 Readings List. You will participate in a small group discussion based on the two required readings and the two articles that you select from the list. Come to class prepared to do three things. (1) Identify theoretical ideas (constructs, proposed linkages) in the materials you read -- be able to tie these articles to the theories we have studied. (2) Explain how these ideas or constructs are relevant to understanding your PIN. (3) Identify the implications for the development of social policy to address your PIN. Your group will report to the class as a whole.

Think Tank 3.. Post some examples of materials from your think tanks that gave you ideas about policy changes that could help address your PIN -- particularly ideas that would focus on the class component of the PIN. These key factors in our society, race, class, gender, identity, (I am 95% sure that class will be a critical factor in all of the PINS you have identified, along with race, gender ...) to the Week 11 discussion board. Pleas post at least three (preferably more) ideas that you get. These can be very short statements --- a few sentences that state what the idea gained was and how you think you can apply it to understanding and addressing your PIN.

These readings and activities should help you with Assignment 3 when you develop policy approaches or recommendations.