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Richard Sennett

The Hidden Injuries of Class

"The Hidden Injuries of Class" by Richard Sennett, first published in 1972, is a seminal work that explores the social and psychological impact of class divisions in modern societies. Sennett, a renowned sociologist and public intellectual, collaborated with Jonathan Cobb, a researcher at the Harvard School of Education, to conduct an in-depth study of blue-collar workers in the United States, revealing the complex ways class identity shapes individual lives and opportunities. The book's central argument is that class is not merely an economic category but a profound source of emotional and cognitive damage. Sennett and Cobb contend that the "hidden injuries" of class are the internalized feelings of shame, humiliation, and self-doubt that working-class individuals experience as a result of their subordinate position in society. These injuries, the authors argue, are often more debilitating than the material hardships associated with poverty, as they erode self-esteem, limit social mobility, and undermine the capacity for collective action. To illustrate their thesis, the authors present vivid portraits of several workers and their families, capturing the nuances of class identity and the ways it is transmitted across generations. They demonstrate how the structural forces of capitalism and the cultural norms of meritocracy combine to create a pervasive sense of failure and inadequacy among the working class. At the same time, the authors challenge the myth of the "American Dream," revealing the ways in which social mobility is constrained by class barriers and the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities. "The Hidden Injuries of Class" is not only a powerful indictment of class inequality but also a profound meditation on the human costs of social stratification. The book's enduring relevance lies in its ability to shed light on the complex interplay between structure and agency, culture and identity, and to offer a nuanced understanding of the ways in which class shapes individual lives and collective fates. Sennett's work remains a vital resource for scholars, policymakers, and activists seeking to understand and address the challenges of class inequality in the 21st century...