The Nation, a publication with roots dating back to 1865 and founded by abolitionists, has consistently provided an independent perspective on politics and culture.
For many years, young people in the United States received a common message: pursue higher education. While a college degree might not ensure wealth, it was seen as a safeguard against the most unstable sectors of the job market. As manufacturing jobs vanished and office jobs became automated, a college education was thought to offer protection. Not attending college seemed to risk entering a growing service economy marked by unpredictable hours, stagnant wages, and decreasing levels of workplace autonomy.
This context sets the stage for a new book that documents the efforts of a fresh wave of labor organizers striving to unionize their workplaces. The book highlights how these workers are addressing the challenges that arise from existing economic structures.