Editorial Review

Essayist and cultural critic Barbara Ehrenreich has always specialized in turning received wisdom on its head with intelligence, clarity, and verve. With some 12 million women being pushed into the labor market by welfare reform, she decided to do some good old-fashioned journalism and find out just how they were going to survive on the wages of the unskilled--at $6 to $7 an hour, only half of what is considered a living wage. So she did what millions of Americans do, she looked for a job and a place to live, worked that job, and tried to make ends meet. Read more

Reviews (979)

Next week on The Simple Life, Barb joins Paris and Nicole for shift work at the local Wallyworld!
She Made It Even Harder To Get By
Ehrenreich is the kind of journalist I despise. One who thinks her insights are so important that it doesn't matter how much she inconveniences others to make her point.
Bring your own grain of salt.
This is not a bad book, but it's not a good one. Although I certainly gained some insight from reading this book, I was disappointed (and surprised) by Ms. Ehrenreich's (or the editor's?) lack of fact-checking/ attention to detail, and/or embellishment.
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Subjects:  1. Government - U.S. Government    2. Labor    3. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    4. Labor Economics (General)    5. Minimum wage    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Poverty    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Sociology - Social Theory    11. United States    12. Unskilled labor    13. Labour economics    14. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (20)

Great, Succinct Expose of anti-American Corporate Actions (4.5*s)
Many predicted that so-called free trade agreements, which ignore social, economic, and legal imbalances between First World and Third World countries, would be disastrous for American workers. Senator Dorgan was one of the critics of handing corporations a ticket for a ride on cheap labor, and he and others were right. The book is an easy to read expose of the consequences of free-trade. Wow, what an eye-opener...
The Senator takes some pretty complex subjects and boils them down so that average folks like me can digest them.I always had the impression that outsourcing was bad and that corporations did some shady things to maximize their profits.Now I'm convinced.This book shows me the money and names names.The truly surprising thing was exactly how much of an accomplice our own government has been.Read it--and vote accordingly.

EXPORT GOODS, NOT JOBS!
Senator Dorgan is not one of your wishy-washy politicians. He takes a stand on NAFTA and CAFTA: He's against them.He makes it clear that we're not just sending low-paid work to other countries, but we're rapidly losing our manufacturing jobs. Those are jobs that paid well and provided thousands of Americans with middle-class life-styles.
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Subjects:  1. Contracting out    2. Government - U.S. Government    3. International Relations - Trade & Tariffs    4. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    5. Labor supply    6. Political Science    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Politics/International Relations    9. United States    10. Political Science / International Relations / Trade & Tariffs   

Reviews (4)

Clear and compelling
This book spells out in a clear and compelling fashion the challenges that American workers face in our global economy, and what can be done to stop the American dream from disintegrating any further.
Finally!
Finally, a book that tells the truth about what is really happening to the middle class in this country -- and more importantly, gives common sense solutions that could really turn America around. That's probably because it is written -- not by someone who has spent his life in academia or in politics or talking on TV or radio -- but on the front lines actually fighting to make work pay for working families. He's looked both employers and working people in the eye, and that makes all the difference. This book is interesting, personal, and visionary.

Best of its Kind
Informative, visionary, yet personal.This book is the work of a brilliant individual who is passionate about his subject.His views cover not only the story of labor,then, now and in the future, but its interconnection with governments and economies throughout the world. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Industrial relations    2. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    3. Labor movement    4. Labor unions    5. Political Science    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Politics/International Relations    8. Reference    9. United States    10. Political Science / Labor & Industrial Relations   

Reviews (21)

Read Soon, Before Your Crisis Arrives
Well Worth Reading! You've likely heard it said that the first step to solving a problem is recognition. During, and since, my reading of "The Impending Crisis: Too Many Jobs, Too Few People " I've been speaking with business people who confirm all I've learned from this informative "MUST READ".Fortunately, now I not only recognize the problem, I also see practical steps that employers can take to position themselves to make it through the current and increasingly turbulent, employee shortages. I've found the research based evidence in this book to be presented in a way that not only speaks to CEOs and their direct reports, but also to every person, in any organization, that is planning to remain competitive in local, national or global markets. The real issues that affect employees decisions to either remain with or leave (and in some cases, even flee from) their current employers, are well addressed with an insightful understanding of the needs of all stakeholders involved in any business venture, including the customer. Since reading this book, I find myself looking at businesses differently; I now closely observe employees that serve me as a customer and many times I can see and hear the lack of commitment they have to their current employment. On the occasions that I am treated well as a customer, invariably, I find, through conversation, that this person likes where they work and is not being driven away by any of the 5 reasons most employees seek other employment. The last of which, by the way, is the amount they're paid. I recommend this book to any and everyone that is in business or a part of the workforce, but especially to those organizations that want to avoid being left without quality skilled employees.

Wrong But That's A Good Thing
As consultants very often do, this author has relied on statistics and the outside-the-picture view consultants inevitably have, and has come to the wrong conclusion. I think he's wrong about the nature of the impending crisis because he is basing his theory on the assumption that baby boomers are going to retire in large numbers. Most baby boomers I know are never going to retire because they can't afford to. They are supporting kids in college, elderly parents and a lifestyle that they refuse to give up unless they are forced to by becoming one of the increasing number of 55+ people who are being laid off so employers can avoid paying their benefits. These laid off people are not finding jobs at all or if they are lucky enough to find jobs they are jobs that pay far less than the ones they had. Many employers are reducing or cutting off medical benefits for retired people and medical costs are so high people are having to get whatever kind of job then can to pay them.
Thwarting Impending Crisis
Herman and Gioia early on identified a critical problem the workforce is facing: a labor shortage.With downsizing and growth in new sectors comes the inevitable problem of a labor force that is not able to meet thecurrent demands.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Careers - Job Hunting    4. Economics - General    5. Employment    6. Forecasting    7. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Skilled labor    10. Supply and demand    11. United States    12. trends   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Human Resources & Personnel Management    5. Industrial relations    6. United States    7. Business & Economics / Human Resources & Personnel Management    8. Labour economics   

Reviews (10)

"Where did all the good ones go?"
Find a Parade, Jump in Front, Declare Yourself Grand Marshall
The "research" that the authors quote is their own but their "findings" are nothing more than information that has been reported ad nauseum in journal articles and news stories over the past several years.The book could have been condensed drastically without losing any of the points.Thelast 25% of the book is a "discussion guide" that may be more valuable than the guts of the book.
Thought provoking book.
Good analysis of the problem and some suggestions for solutions.Employers are going to have to use older workers or go without in the near term.Raises some real questions about the importance of "guest workers" to the continued success of our economy.The labor has to come from somewhere. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Human Resources & Personnel Management    5. Labor    6. Labor Force    7. Labor supply    8. Management - General    9. Manpower planning    10. Personnel And Human Resources Management    11. Personnel management    12. United States    13. Labour economics    14. Personnel & human resources management   

Reviews (1)

Best text on labor economics and labor relations
The authors do a good job analyzing the labor market conditons, and cover in great detail labor relations, go into some comperative analysis of circumstances in different economic systems. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Economics - General    4. Industrial And Labor Relations    5. Industrial relations    6. Labor    7. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    8. Labor Economics (General)    9. Labor economics    10. Politics / Current Events    11. Business & Economics / Economics / General    12. Labour economics   

Subjects:  1. Accounting (Specific Aspects)    2. Accounting - General    3. Business & Economics    4. Business / Economics / Finance    5. Business/Economics    6. Human Resources & Personnel Management    7. Labor    8. Wages    9. Accounting    10. Business & Economics / Human Resources & Personnel Management   

Reviews (1)

Meeting and Training Openers and Warm-Ups that Work!
Honestly, I have no time for activities/events when I train or facilitate meetings that accomplish only one goal. So I look for things that simultaneously meet multiple needs, or desires. This book contains 61 such tools. Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity programs in education    2. Business & Economics    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business/Economics    5. Group games    6. Human Resources & Personnel Management    7. Management - General    8. Training    9. Business & Economics / Training    10. Industrial or vocational training    11. Management & management techniques    12. Personnel & human resources management   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Collective bargaining    5. Industrial relations    6. Labor    7. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    8. Labor unions    9. United States    10. Business & Economics / Labor    11. Business & Management   

Reviews (33)

Current and Comprehensive
Author Oded Shenkar provides up-to-date information, specific
Insightful and well-written
China is a quickly rising economy on the world stage and many liken it to another Japan on the horizon.However, there are as many differences as there are similarities between the rise of the Chinese economy and the rise of Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, or Hong Kong.These differences are critical if you are going to understand the impact this will have on the American and world economy.What is the legacy of China's history and how is that impacting their current economy?How is China dealing with (or not dealing with) the problem of piracy and bootlegging of legitimate products on the world market and how will that affect their position on the world market stage?The author deftly covers opportunities and challenges in the China market and in United States Chinese market.The Chinese Century is highly recommended for anyone who wishes to understand the Chinese market and the implications of that market for the United States.

A Window into Worldwide Change
For some time I have been concerned that China's ascent is more than a case of an emerging economy awakening from an extended period of slumber.
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Subjects:  1. 2000-    2. Business & Economics    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business/Economics    5. China    6. Contemporary Economic Situations And Conditions    7. Economic Conditions    8. Foreign economic relations    9. International - Economics    10. International Economics (General)    11. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    12. Public Policy - Economic Policy    13. Business & Economics / International    14. Economics   

Reviews (82)

Hindsight proves Dobbs was 20/20 on the Exporting of America
It is interesting to read this book a few years after its publication and see how correct Mr. Dobbs was.The book was written in 2003-4 and the election year tension is evident in some areas of the book.However, almost three years later, the data is irrefutable that Dobbs observations about corporations sacrificing American workers for their own outrageous profit taking are correct.
Telling it like it really is.
Lou Dobbs has got it right.Our Administrations, past and present,Congress and Corporte America have sold us out all in the name of power and greed.This book lays the facts out in front of everyone to really show what has happened to America that at one time the whole world looked up to.When you depend on foreign souces for your basic needs something is wrong with the way America is governed and something is surely wrong when Corporate America has our governmnet in their pockets.Lou Dobbs should be congratulated on telling it like it really is.He has the courage to stand up to constant critizism about his views about outsourcing our jobs and outsourcing the future of America.A must read for all Americans worried about our future.

The Real Deal For Real People All Over the World
It is interesting to see the reviews of the people(mostly Americans) on this site. I am an Indian, and it amuses me to read your thoughts on these issues. You Americans have a lot of creativity, ambition, and vivacity; and that is a good thing. But you do not think deeply often enough. Job outsourcing is hurting you indeed, and how much more you will have to suffer, I do not know.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Contracting out    4. Corporations    5. Globalization    6. Industries - General    7. Labor    8. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    9. Labor market    10. Politics / Current Events    11. Unemployment    12. United States    13. Business & Economics / General   

Subjects:  1. Business/Economics    2. Collective Bargaining    3. Development - Business Development    4. Entrepreneurship    5. Industrial And Labor Relations    6. Industrial relations    7. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    8. Political Science    9. Politics / Current Events    10. United States    11. Business & Economics / Human Resources & Personnel Management   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (55)

hundreds and hundres of interviews with many follow-ups years later...
...is how Shipler wrote this book. He talked to working poor all over America, in cities and in rural areas. He talked to their teachers, counselors, doctors, lawyers, bosses and social workers.
Great Book
In this book, David Shipler addressed many topics which are often undiscussed in American society. His non-judgmental assessment of the personal & institutional causes perpetuating working-class poverty was phenomenal. The narratives he used supplemented the usual facts and figures.

A thoughtful and compassionate read
This is a pretty long book, but the storytelling and people we meet make it an enjoyable and engaging read. I especially appreciate the author's summary and his thoughtful exploration of ways to combat and alleviate poverty. No easy answers, but a lot of compassion. I still think about it daily. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Economic Situations And Conditions    2. Economic conditions    3. Economics - General    4. Finance, Personal    5. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    6. Poor    7. Poverty    8. Social Classes    9. Social Science    10. Sociology    11. Sociology - General    12. United States    13. Wages    14. Working class    15. Social Science / Sociology / General   

Reviews (1)

Great practical book - Good job Vijay !
This is a very interesting book with tons of practical examples and situations from the four companies the author studied. It's a great book about the organizational culture, strategies and personalities that encourage corporate entrepreneurship. It could be a valuable tool to any company engaged in new business / new product development. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Creative ability in business    5. Entrepreneurship    6. Executive ability    7. Management - General    8. Structural Adjustment    9. Business & Economics / Management    10. Labour economics    11. Organizational theory & behaviour    12. Social, group or collective psychology   

Reviews (4)

Worth its weight in gold!!!
This book should be on every employer's bookshelf! I am so impressed by how comprehensive, well organized, and easy to use it is. Steingold really knows what he's talking about, he explains all of the complex laws and regulations that trip up unprepared employers and result in expensive lawsuits. Thanks to this book I learned the best ways to comply with OSHA, wage-and-hour laws, sexual harassment and discrimination laws, the Americans with Disabilities Act and many many more. You owe it to yourself to know your rights and responsibilities as an employer and to protect your company from needless litigation.

A mile wide and several feet deep
An excelent, readable, survey of the law on this topic.The greatest strengths of the book are two-fold.First, it is written in easy to follow, plain english.Second, it is amazingly comprehensive.I have been practicing employment law in two millenia, and this is the book that I use (after reviewing dozens) to teach non-lawyer classes on the topic. As with any survey book, it doesn't cover the details of the many topics it touches.You don't want to use this book to deal with comprehensive planning or an employment law dispute.But if you read this book you'll understand much of the language and many of the concerns of the experienced human resources professional or lawyer that you need.

Protect your business from employee and government law suits
Here is the book that will teach you what you need to know to keep compliance with the law and protect your business.Easy to read and comprehend, this book will help you promote fair business practices and avoid lawsuits.Folks, there are many laws most business people don't know about.This book will bring you up to speed.It's a necessity for the small and large business alike. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Human Resources & Personnel Management    2. Labor    3. Labor & Employment    4. Labor And Employment Law    5. Labor laws and legislation    6. Law    7. Legal Reference / Law Profession    8. Popular works    9. United States   

Reviews (4)

Nice book
almost the same as the newer addition , has all the things you ned to know about labor economics

A very interesting textbook about labor economics
I was a teaching assistant in a labor economics undergraduate course in Northwestern University that used this book. I found it very interesting and full of real-world examples and discussions. The mathematical level is simple and therefore the book is accessible also to students with only little background in mathematics or economics. The exposition is clear. About half of the problems and the review questions are solved at the end of the book, making it possible for the reader to practice and test her understanding of the material. I believe that most students can understand most of the material in the book even without taking a formal course in labor economics, and therefore I recommend it to anyone who is interested in the functioning of labor markets.

A helpful and informative book
I bought this book to use for my Labor Economics class at Cornell University. My professor, Professor Smith, is a contributor to this book and it was a wonderful supplement to the lectures. The book is filled withuseful information and practical applications, so its appeal is not limitedto economics students, but anyone who wishes to know more about payrolltaxes, policy applications, work incentives and the like. Thiseasy-to-understand book benefited me a lot and Iwould recommend its useto other courses in labor economics at other colleges and universities. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Economics - General    4. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    5. Labor economics    6. Labor policy    7. Personnel management    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Business & Economics / Economics / General    10. Labour economics   

Reviews (3)

Timely Relevance
The recent implosion of the AFL-CIO with three major unions seceding has turned this fascinating historical perspective on the Building Trades Unions decline into must reading to understand current events.

Freedom in the Workplace
When I got a copy of "Freedom In The Workplace" by Samuel Cook, I put it aside thinking that it was a history of the Associated Builders and Contractors and that I would read it when I had the time.