The Bridge over the Racial Divide: Rising Inequality and Coalition Politics

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In a work that will significantly influence the political discussion with respect to race and class politics, one of the country's most influential sociologists focuses on the rising inequality in American society and the need for a progressive, multiracial political coalition to combat it. The culmination of decades of distinguished scholarship, The Bridge over the Racial Divide brilliantly demonstrates how political power is disproportionately concentrated among the most advantaged segments of society and how the monetary, trade, and tax policies of recent years have deepened this power imbalance. Developing his earlier views on race in contemporary society, William Julius Wilson gives a simple, straightforward, and crucially important diagnosis of the problem of rising social inequality in the United States and details a set of recommendations for dealing with it.

SYNOPSIS

In a work that will significantly influence the political discussion with respect to race and class politics, one of the country's most influential sociologists focuses on the rising inequality in American society and the need for a progressive, multiracial political coalition to combat it. The culmination of decades of distinguished scholarship, The Bridge over the Racial Divide brilliantly demonstrates how political power is disproportionately concentrated among the most advantaged segments of society and how the monetary, trade, and tax policies of recent years have deepened this power imbalance. Developing his earlier views on race in contemporary society, William Julius Wilson gives a simple, straightforward, and crucially important diagnosis of the problem of rising social inequality in the United States and details a set of recommendations for dealing with it.

Wilson argues that as long as middle- and working-class groups are fragmented along racial lines, they will fail to see how their combined efforts could change the political imbalance and thus promote policies that reflect their interests. He shows how a vision of American society that highlights racial differences rather than commonalities makes it difficult for Americans to see the need and appreciate the potential for mutual political support across racial lines.

Multiracial political cooperation could be enhanced if we can persuade groups to focus more on the interests they hold in common, including overcoming stagnating and declining real incomes that relate to changes in the global economy, Wilson argues. He advocates a cross-race, class-based alliance of working-and middle-class Americans to pursue policies that will deal with the eroding strength of the nation's equalizing institutions, including public education, unions, and political structures that promote the interests of ordinary families. He also advocates a reconstructed "affirmative opportunity" program that benefits African Americans without antagonizing whites. Using theoretical arguments and case studies, Wilson examines how a broad-based political constituency can be created, sustained, and energized. Bold, provocative, and thoughtful, The Bridge over the Racial Divide is an essential resource in considering some of the most pressing issues facing the American public today.

This book is a copublication with the Russell Sage Foundation.

FROM THE CRITICS

Robert Kuttner

This book is a superb contribution to the national debate about equality, class, race, and politics. Defying easy categories, as he always does, William Julius Wilson manages to square the circle by blending a strategy of racial uplift with one of practical and believable politics.

Tricia Rose

A powerful call for a multiracial, progressive political coalition to combat rising inequality in America... A very important attempt to deal with the simultaneous evils of race and classÉ. A challenge to activists, leaders, teachers, and parents... I am very impressed by this book and am grateful that a public figure as prominent as Wilson has written it. The complex analysis that has gone into his admirably accessible and politically progressive new book is itself an act of progressive action and faith￯﾿ﾽa crucial combination for compassionate social action and for crossing seemingly unbridgeable gaps.

Booklist

Wilson thoughtfully asserts the need for coalition building with a focus on nonrace-specific issues, although this runs counter to the black leadership tradition. . . . An excellent work.

Tikkun

It is time to start working on the foundations of the bridge [Wilson] calls upon us to build.

Fablo Naranjo

I highly recommend Bridge Over the Racial Divide to anyone concerned with social and economic justice for all. Read all 8 "From The Critics" >

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

A must read for all who care about justice and democracy in a multicultural America. — Henry Louis Gates