White Trash. Book Summary

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Nancy Isenberg

What’s inside

White Trash by Nancy Isenberg is a profound historical analysis that tracks the concept of class in America, particularly focusing on the white lower class. It dismantles the myth that the United States is a class-free society by delving into the origins, evolution, and persistence of the derogatory term ‘white trash’ and how it has shaped the country’s social structure and politics.

You’ll Learn

  • Understanding the historical roots of class in America
  • Challenging the notion of America as a classless society
  • Exploring the impact of class on cultural and political life in the US
  • Gaining insight into the perpetuation of economic inequality

Key Points

  • Origins of the ‘white trash’ epithet in colonial America
  • Evolution of class distinctions post-Revolution
  • Impact of class on American politics and policies
  • Cultural representations of the white underclass
  • Persistence of class inequality in modern America

Who’s it For

  • History enthusiasts
  • Sociologists
  • Students of American studies
  • Readers interested in social dynamics

About the author

Nancy Isenberg is a historian with a focus on American political history. She is a professor of American History and has authored several acclaimed books, making complex historical themes accessible and engaging to a broad audience.