42 pages 1 hour read

David K. Shipler

The Working Poor: Invisible in America

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2004

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In The Working Poor: Invisible in America, David K. Shipler reveals the struggles of low-wage workers and migrant laborers who fuel America's prosperity yet remain trapped in poverty. Through individual stories, Shipler examines interconnected factors—financial instability, exploitative work conditions, lack of skills, family challenges, and inadequate education—arguing for comprehensive, intersectional remedies to address poverty effectively. The book includes sensitive topics such as abuse, addiction, and trauma.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

David K. Shipler's The Working Poor provides a compelling and thorough examination of America's low-income workers. Reviewers praise its detailed narratives and insightful analysis, although some note it can be overwhelming due to the extensive focus on hardship. The book is celebrated for compassionate storytelling and raising awareness, though it leaves some desiring more solutions.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Working Poor?

Readers who appreciate meticulously researched social issues and human stories would enjoy The Working Poor by David K. Shipler. It appeals to those engaged by works like Barbara Ehrenreich's Nickel and Dimed and Matthew Desmond's Evicted, offering a deep dive into the struggles of America's low-wage earners.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Sociology