The Working Class in American Literature: Essays on Blue Collar Identity

This book collection explores the working class in American literature from the colonial to the contemporary period through a critical lens that addresses the real problems of approaching class through economics. It moves the analysis of working-class literature away from the Marxist focus on the relationship between class and the means of production and applies an innovative concept of class based on the sociological studies of humans and society first championed by Max Weber.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 198 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2021
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

Literary texts are not only reflections of their historical contexts but also embodiments of the ideologies and beliefs of the time in which they were produced. This comprehensive book collection delves into the portrayal of the working class in American literature, spanning from the colonial era to the contemporary period. Through a critical lens that seeks to address the complexities of approaching class through an economic lens, the collection explores the lived experiences and struggles of the working class in American society.

One of the significant contributions of this book is its departure from the traditional Marxist focus on the relationship between class and the means of production. Instead, it adopts an innovative concept of class that draws upon the sociological studies of humans and society, first championed by Max Weber. Central to the analysis is the concept of in-grouping/out-grouping, which plays a crucial role in the construction of class separation in American society.

Building upon the theories established in John F. Lavelle's groundbreaking work, Blue Collar: Theoretically: A Post-Marxist Approach to Working Class Literature (McFarland, 2011), this book takes those ideas and applies them to a diverse range of texts. By examining these texts, the book sheds light on the intricate web of class relations that exist in American society, highlighting the complexities and contradictions that shape the lives of working-class individuals.

Through its comprehensive exploration of working-class literature, this book offers valuable insights into the social, economic, and cultural dynamics that have shaped the lives of the working class in America. It challenges readers to think critically about the ways in which class intersects with other forms of identity, such as race, gender, and sexuality, and encourages them to explore the ways in which literature can be used to challenge and transform dominant narratives and ideologies.

In conclusion, literary texts are not only artifacts of their time but also powerful tools for understanding and challenging the ideologies and systems that shape our world. This book collection, by examining the portrayal of the working class in American literature through a critical lens that addresses the real problems of approaching class through economics, contributes to our understanding of the complexities of class relations in American society. It is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the rich and complex tapestry of working-class experiences in American literature.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476673066