Book Summary
Prologue
November 21, 1963
On November 21, 1963, the United States was on the brink of significant change, which would follow with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy the next day. This date is viewed as the end of one era and the beginning of another. At the time, television played a crucial role in American life, with limited programming options, while social norms were strictly traditional. Most women stayed home, and family life followed conventional roles. The film industry adhered to strict moral standards, and religious participation was high, with low crime rates and little drug use. The civil rights movement was gaining momentum, advocating for equality, and important books were beginning to influence new social movements. The changes initiated by Kennedy’s assassination highlighted emerging social classes and shifting cultural values, impacting how Americans identified themselves and their society, reflecting a growing divide in attitudes and lifestyles.
Part I
The Formation of a New Upper Class
A new American upper class has developed, focusing on roles like managers and engineers, defined as "symbolic analysts" or "cognitive elite." This group blends traditional values and creativity, influencing economic and cultural aspects of society. Within this class, a narrow elite of fewer than 100,000 individuals, including powerful judges and business leaders, holds significant sway. The broader elite includes various successful professionals and is increasingly isolated from the rest of society, which could lead to a lack of awareness about the challenges faced by many people.
1 Our Kind of People
A new culture emerged within American society shown in the TV show thirtysomething, which aired in 1987. The series highlighted educated and stylish characters living in Philadelphia, addressing modern issues like relationships and parenting. Main characters Hope and Michael Steadman faced challenges in balancing their careers with family life, showcasing a lifestyle focused on personal expression over traditional values. Although other shows have touched on similar topics, none have explored this new upper class culture as thoroughly.
For a subculture to form, people must share unique tastes and preferences while being able to connect and influence their community. In 1963, subcultures existed, but there was not a strong group identifiable as the educated or creative class, as very few adults had college degrees. Wealth at that time did not drastically change lifestyles compared to the average American. Most upper-middle-class families lived in homes larger than middle-class houses but not in extravagant mansions.
The distinction between upper-middle-class and middle-class lifestyles was not significant. In 1963, many upper-middle-class families maintained modest vehicle choices to avoid appearing ostentatious. Living expenses were also similar, making access to high-quality goods easier for many.
By the late 1980s, a new upper class emerged, distinguishing themselves through different parenting styles, health and fitness habits, cultural engagement, and leisure activities. This group demonstrated greater involvement in wellness, awareness of current events, and a preference for travel experiences separate from mainstream Americans, which highlighted the growing social divide influenced by income and education levels. The characteristics of this new upper class reinforced their distinction from average American life.
2 The Foundations of the New Upper Class
The new upper class has formed for four main reasons: the increased value of intelligence, the growth of wealth, the college sorting machine, and homogamy. Intelligence, or cognitive ability, is very important in today's job market, especially in fields like technology and law. This has led to a big gap in income, with top earners making much more than those at the bottom. Many people in the upper class live very different lifestyles compared to the rest of society.
The college sorting machine helps create this new upper class by bringing together people who are similar in terms of education and intelligence. Although many people now attend college, the best schools mostly attract students from wealthy families. Even though there are efforts to diversify admissions, most students at these elite colleges come from the upper-middle class, making it hard for those from lower-income backgrounds to get in.
Homogamy is when people with similar traits, like education, marry each other. Recently, more college graduates are marrying other graduates, which keeps wealth and intelligence within certain families. Children of educated parents tend to do better in school and find better jobs. This means fewer smart and talented individuals come from lower-income families, increasing social inequality and making it harder for them to move up in the world.
3 A New Kind of Segregation
There has been a growing separation in American society between the new upper class and the rest of the population, which is reinforced by residential segregation. A study by leading scholars showed that while racial segregation decreased after the civil rights movement, socioeconomic segregation increased. The rich, especially those with higher education, are increasingly isolating themselves from the less affluent. For example, data from 1970 to 2000 revealed that the dissimilarity index between poor households and those with significantly higher incomes showed an increase, indicating greater separation.
Cities like Austin, Texas, have undergone dramatic transformations, with rising wealth and education levels leading to more affluent neighborhoods. In 2000, Austin had expanded significantly and displayed a correlation between higher income areas and higher education levels. The tech industry boom attracted well-educated workers, contributing to socioeconomic segregation.
Similarly, in Manhattan, by 2000, wealth and educational attainment had risen sharply, especially in the Upper East Side. However, despite this wealth, there remained a bustling city life filled with diversity. In contrast, Newton, Iowa's wealthier residents moved away from the community, deepening the divide between the rich and working-class residents.
Across the country, affluent neighborhoods have become even more successful, with median incomes and education rates rising dramatically. The concept of "SuperZips" encapsulates this trend, highlighting areas of extreme wealth and education that further separate their residents from others. Many of these residents come from elite educational backgrounds, reinforcing social elitism.
There are also notable political differences among affluent neighborhoods. While many lean liberal, there are pockets that hold conservative views, particularly in some regions. This political divide exemplifies the complexity of perspectives within wealthy communities.
Overall, the changes in cities like Austin, Manhattan, and Newton illustrate the widening gap between the affluent and the rest of society, which reflects broader trends of inequality in America.
4 How Thick Is Your Bubble?
The gap between the new upper class and average Americans is increasing, which can lead to decisions that do not consider the needs of everyday people. Many upper-class individuals come from wealthy backgrounds and do not directly experience the lives of ordinary Americans, making it harder for them to understand different social situations.
To help with this issue, a questionnaire is suggested. This tool encourages self-reflection and includes questions about personal history, work experiences, relationships, and lifestyle habits. For example, it asks if someone has lived in a neighborhood where most people don’t have college degrees and if they’ve had jobs involving physical labor. It also explores relationships with people from different backgrounds and involvement in community events.
Lifestyle-related questions look at daily choices and consumer habits. By scoring the responses, the questionnaire shows how different experiences and backgrounds influence understanding of society. Overall, this assessment aims to highlight important differences in American life and encourages people to recognize their social situations to promote understanding across class divides.
5 The Bright Side of the New Upper Class
The new upper class in America offers both benefits and drawbacks. Members are often friendly and play a key role in boosting the economy and living standards by focusing on finding and developing talented individuals. Since World War II, this focus has led to more qualified workers. Historical examples show that selecting skilled recruits can lead to better performance. While technological advancements have improved lives, the new upper class may be isolated from regular society. Efforts to reduce income inequality could harm productivity, but their distinct culture may lead to a lack of understanding of broader social issues, requiring them to engage more with the general population.
Part II
The Formation of a New Lower Class
A new lower class has emerged in America, distinct from the traditional working class. Historically, the working class was integral to American life, but over the years, a significant number of white Americans have formed a lower class that deviates from traditional norms. This change gained attention in the 1960s and 1970s, alongside the rise of counterculture and urban underclass communities. Unlike simple lifestyle differences, this separation impacts people's quality of life and community cohesion, raising concerns about America's stability and future.
6 The Founding Virtues
The American project has been built on four key virtues: industriousness, honesty, marriage, and religiosity. These traits have been vital for shaping American society and its government, particularly from 1960 to 2010. Historical observations noted that the success of the American Constitution relied on the moral character of its citizens. Founders believed that without personal virtue, even the best government could fail to ensure freedom and happiness. Industriousness emphasized hard work and striving to improve one's life and future generations. Honesty was deemed essential for society to function well, with founders like Thomas Jefferson expressing that trustworthiness was crucial for a free society. Marriage was viewed as the foundation for moral citizenship, where strong relationships were believed to create good citizens. Finally, religiosity was acknowledged as necessary for maintaining moral standards, with figures like George Washington affirming its importance for the republic. From the 1830s to the mid-20th century, these virtues were taught in schools, particularly through the McGuffey Readers, influencing generations. Although the formal emphasis on these virtues declined, they remain seen as vital for America’s ongoing success.
7 Belmont and Fishtown
Two fictional neighborhoods, Belmont and Fishtown, are used to analyze the trends in upper-middle-class and working-class populations from 1960 to 2010. Belmont, an affluent suburb, has highly educated residents with significant incomes, while Fishtown, a working-class area, has low education levels and incomes. The analysis focuses on adults aged 30 to 49, showing changes in the proportions of white Americans in each neighborhood. An index combining education and job demands helps track these trends, highlighting differences in behavior and opinions between the two areas.
8 Marriage
Marriage has significantly declined among white Americans over the past fifty years, with noticeable differences between socioeconomic classes, particularly in two areas: Belmont and Fishtown. In the 1960s, the majority believed marriage was essential for happiness and thought negatively about premarital sex and divorce. By the 2000s, attitudes shifted, leading to similar views on marriage and divorce across classes, but higher education levels in Belmont revived more traditional beliefs regarding marriage.
From 1970 onwards, marriage rates dropped sharply. By 2010, only 48% of whites in Fishtown were married, with increasing rates of never-married individuals and divorce. While Belmont maintained stable divorce rates, Fishtown saw one-third of marriages affected by divorce and a decline in self-reported happiness. The structure of families also changed, with a rise in nonmarital births, especially among less educated women in Fishtown. This shift affects children's well-being, with research indicating that children do best with married biological parents. The overall trend shows a destabilization in Fishtown, with fewer happy marriages and a decline in children raised by both biological parents.
9 Industriousness
Industriousness, or the drive to work hard, has decreased among white males, especially in Fishtown, a lower socioeconomic area. In the past, many Americans believed in finding meaning through work. However, between the early 1970s and 2006, fewer white males preferred jobs that provided a sense of accomplishment. Instead, more started to value job security and shorter hours. Along with this shift, fewer men today feel ashamed about being unemployed, with many claiming they cannot work because of disabilities, which has led to a rise in those receiving federal disability benefits.
The number of white males participating in the workforce has declined over the years, particularly among those with lower education levels. Unemployment rates for lower-educated men have increased, even when the economy is stable. While some men still work long hours, many are working fewer hours, which shows a change in attitudes towards work.
Marriage also impacts employment rates, as married men are generally more likely to have jobs compared to single men. From the 1970s to the 2000s, more white women joined the workforce, though patterns differed based on education and marital status, reflecting broader changes in how society views work and responsibilities.
10 Honesty
Belmont has not had significant crime concerns, while Fishtown has faced increasing crime and imprisonment. Most criminals come from lower-class areas, particularly Fishtown. Between 1974 and 2004, the imprisonment rate for white adults in Fishtown rose dramatically, contrasting with Belmont’s stable rates. Although crime decreased nationally after the 1990s, Fishtown still experiences high violent crime rates. Honesty, rooted in moral principles, and integrity in business have faced challenges, especially since the 1980s, with many corporate scandals. Trends in personal bankruptcy also raise questions about individual integrity and willingness to repay debts.
11 Religiosity
Between 1960 and 2010, white America became less religious, particularly since the early 1990s. This shift contrasts with past church attendance, which peaked in the mid-1960s before declining. While fewer people identify as religious, those who do maintain strong affiliations have not changed much over the decades. Attendance at worship services has decreased slightly among believers. Religion still provides social capital by fostering community involvement, but the smaller active religious group risks being perceived as unusual, which could weaken its influence in communities.
12 The Real Fishtown
Social classes can be complicated, especially the new lower class in places like Fishtown. Many people in this class don’t fit the negative labels often associated with it; instead, they are just trying to get by. When someone relies on family for support, it can create stress in households, and the absence of fathers can make life harder for children growing up.
Marriage rates have dropped since the 1970s, leading to many young women having unplanned pregnancies and sometimes needing help from grandparents to raise their kids. Many working-age men in Fishtown are not looking for jobs, which keeps them dependent on welfare. Although unemployment rates seem stable, a lack of motivation to work can lead to families struggling.
Crime was once low in the area, but it has increased as family situations changed, with less effective discipline leading to more youth problems. The once-strong influence of the Catholic Church has weakened, and many young people no longer follow traditional church values.
Fishtown is also changing due to gentrification, where new, wealthier residents move in and alter local businesses and property values. This change threatens the community’s original character and stability, similar to what is happening in other working-class neighborhoods across the country.
13 The Size of the New Lower Class
The new lower class in America is made up of three main groups: men who earn too little to support a household, single mothers, and community isolates. Many men aged 30 to 49 struggle to earn above the poverty line, and the number of single mothers has significantly risen, putting pressure on families. Community isolates, often employed but socially disconnected, lack support networks. The percentage of the white new lower class has more than doubled from the 1960s to 2007, further increasing during the 2009 recession, affecting society and culture.
Part III
Why It Matters
Data can affect how we think about policies, but our beliefs about important issues often do not change, no matter the information. People with different political views interpret data differently: social democrats may push for wealth redistribution, social conservatives may want to support traditional values, and libertarians advocate for limited government. The changes in society over the last fifty years are seen as harmful to American community and individual happiness. If these trends are not fixed, many important parts of American culture could be at risk.
14 The Selective Collapse of American Community
The decline of American community life, especially in places like Fishtown, highlights issues of social trust and civic engagement. American exceptionalism is characterized by neighborliness and active participation in local problems, but these traits are fading. Edward Banfield noted how communities like Montegrano lacked cooperation due to a focus on short-term family benefits over communal interests, unlike St. George, which thrived on civic involvement.
Research reveals that social capital, or the connections within communities, is decreasing. Voter turnout and participation in community activities have significantly dropped from the 1960s to the 1990s. While affluent areas, such as "Latte Towns," maintain strong community engagement, low-income areas like Fishtown see rising social disengagement, partially due to lower marriage rates and decreased religious activities.
In Fishtown, trust in others has dramatically declined, from about 50% to 20% over decades, compared to more stable trust levels in wealthier areas. Ethnic diversity can also reduce social capital, complicating the ability to rebuild strong communities. Overall, weak social capital leads to lower satisfaction and greater vulnerability to crime.
15 The Founding Virtues and the Stuff of Life
Founding virtues are important for how people seek happiness and satisfaction in life. Research shows that a drop in social connections, marriage, hard work, honesty, and religious belief leads to less happiness, especially in lower-class areas like Fishtown. Happiness, according to Aristotle, is not just about quick pleasures but long-lasting satisfaction in life. Key sources of happiness include family, work, community, and faith. Studies show that married people are usually happier than singles, and having a satisfying job is also linked to greater happiness. Being involved in religious activities raises happiness levels, and active participation in community events helps too. While wealthier people often report being happier, true happiness often comes from strong relationships, meaningful work, and being connected to the community. In Belmont and Fishtown, happiness varies, with Fishtown seeing a significant decline over time.
16 One Nation, Divisible
The main ideas highlight that America's problems are more about class than race. When looking at data on marriage, jobs, and crime, it turns out that issues facing white working-class people are similar to those in other racial groups. Although there are significant differences in imprisonment rates, overall patterns show that both white and nonwhite communities deal with class separation. In the end, the situation in America shows that people of all backgrounds face common challenges related to class divisions rather than just ethnic differences.
17 Alternative Futures
The American project is facing a potential decline due to the growing divide between different social classes, leading to both pessimistic and optimistic views about the future. While great nations eventually decline, the United States can still exist in many forms but may lose the qualities that once made it special. This decline is compared to the fall of Rome, which lost its republican values despite its wealth.
The American project is based on the idea that a good government should keep people safe while allowing them freedom. In contrast, the European model focuses on providing economic security through welfare programs, which can limit personal freedom. Critics of the European system argue that it does not meet deeper human needs and that too much government help can reduce personal responsibility and weaken family and community connections. The American project has historically supported individual rights and strong social networks, but there are worrying signs that families and communities are getting weaker.
Both the wealthy upper class and the struggling lower class in the U.S. are facing problems. The upper class, despite having money and influence, seems to be losing its core values, leading to a decline in culture and confidence in moral standards. This change can be seen in how behaviors once considered typical of lower classes are now accepted among wealthier people.
Looking to the future, there is a possibility that people will move away from the welfare state model as they realize its shortcomings and seek simpler ways to support one another. Recent scientific research challenges the idea that human behavior can be easily changed by government policies and suggests that traditional family structures are important for well-being.
There is hope for a revival of American values through a potential "Great Awakening," which would focus on civic engagement, personal responsibility, and community involvement. This could help reinforce the values that have traditionally made America strong and unique.
Prologue
November 21, 1963
On November 21, 1963, the United States was on the brink of significant change, which would follow with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy the next day. This date is viewed as the end of one era and the beginning of another. At the time, television played a crucial role in American life, with limited programming options, while social norms were strictly traditional. Most women stayed home, and family life followed conventional roles. The film industry adhered to strict moral standards, and religious participation was high, with low crime rates and little drug use. The civil rights movement was gaining momentum, advocating for equality, and important books were beginning to influence new social movements. The changes initiated by Kennedy’s assassination highlighted emerging social classes and shifting cultural values, impacting how Americans identified themselves and their society, reflecting a growing divide in attitudes and lifestyles.
Part I
The Formation of a New Upper Class
A new American upper class has developed, focusing on roles like managers and engineers, defined as "symbolic analysts" or "cognitive elite." This group blends traditional values and creativity, influencing economic and cultural aspects of society. Within this class, a narrow elite of fewer than 100,000 individuals, including powerful judges and business leaders, holds significant sway. The broader elite includes various successful professionals and is increasingly isolated from the rest of society, which could lead to a lack of awareness about the challenges faced by many people.
1 Our Kind of People
A new culture emerged within American society shown in the TV show thirtysomething, which aired in 1987. The series highlighted educated and stylish characters living in Philadelphia, addressing modern issues like relationships and parenting. Main characters Hope and Michael Steadman faced challenges in balancing their careers with family life, showcasing a lifestyle focused on personal expression over traditional values. Although other shows have touched on similar topics, none have explored this new upper class culture as thoroughly.
For a subculture to form, people must share unique tastes and preferences while being able to connect and influence their community. In 1963, subcultures existed, but there was not a strong group identifiable as the educated or creative class, as very few adults had college degrees. Wealth at that time did not drastically change lifestyles compared to the average American. Most upper-middle-class families lived in homes larger than middle-class houses but not in extravagant mansions.
The distinction between upper-middle-class and middle-class lifestyles was not significant. In 1963, many upper-middle-class families maintained modest vehicle choices to avoid appearing ostentatious. Living expenses were also similar, making access to high-quality goods easier for many.
By the late 1980s, a new upper class emerged, distinguishing themselves through different parenting styles, health and fitness habits, cultural engagement, and leisure activities. This group demonstrated greater involvement in wellness, awareness of current events, and a preference for travel experiences separate from mainstream Americans, which highlighted the growing social divide influenced by income and education levels. The characteristics of this new upper class reinforced their distinction from average American life.
2 The Foundations of the New Upper Class
The new upper class has formed for four main reasons: the increased value of intelligence, the growth of wealth, the college sorting machine, and homogamy. Intelligence, or cognitive ability, is very important in today's job market, especially in fields like technology and law. This has led to a big gap in income, with top earners making much more than those at the bottom. Many people in the upper class live very different lifestyles compared to the rest of society.
The college sorting machine helps create this new upper class by bringing together people who are similar in terms of education and intelligence. Although many people now attend college, the best schools mostly attract students from wealthy families. Even though there are efforts to diversify admissions, most students at these elite colleges come from the upper-middle class, making it hard for those from lower-income backgrounds to get in.
Homogamy is when people with similar traits, like education, marry each other. Recently, more college graduates are marrying other graduates, which keeps wealth and intelligence within certain families. Children of educated parents tend to do better in school and find better jobs. This means fewer smart and talented individuals come from lower-income families, increasing social inequality and making it harder for them to move up in the world.
3 A New Kind of Segregation
There has been a growing separation in American society between the new upper class and the rest of the population, which is reinforced by residential segregation. A study by leading scholars showed that while racial segregation decreased after the civil rights movement, socioeconomic segregation increased. The rich, especially those with higher education, are increasingly isolating themselves from the less affluent. For example, data from 1970 to 2000 revealed that the dissimilarity index between poor households and those with significantly higher incomes showed an increase, indicating greater separation.
Cities like Austin, Texas, have undergone dramatic transformations, with rising wealth and education levels leading to more affluent neighborhoods. In 2000, Austin had expanded significantly and displayed a correlation between higher income areas and higher education levels. The tech industry boom attracted well-educated workers, contributing to socioeconomic segregation.
Similarly, in Manhattan, by 2000, wealth and educational attainment had risen sharply, especially in the Upper East Side. However, despite this wealth, there remained a bustling city life filled with diversity. In contrast, Newton, Iowa's wealthier residents moved away from the community, deepening the divide between the rich and working-class residents.
Across the country, affluent neighborhoods have become even more successful, with median incomes and education rates rising dramatically. The concept of "SuperZips" encapsulates this trend, highlighting areas of extreme wealth and education that further separate their residents from others. Many of these residents come from elite educational backgrounds, reinforcing social elitism.
There are also notable political differences among affluent neighborhoods. While many lean liberal, there are pockets that hold conservative views, particularly in some regions. This political divide exemplifies the complexity of perspectives within wealthy communities.
Overall, the changes in cities like Austin, Manhattan, and Newton illustrate the widening gap between the affluent and the rest of society, which reflects broader trends of inequality in America.
4 How Thick Is Your Bubble?
The gap between the new upper class and average Americans is increasing, which can lead to decisions that do not consider the needs of everyday people. Many upper-class individuals come from wealthy backgrounds and do not directly experience the lives of ordinary Americans, making it harder for them to understand different social situations.
To help with this issue, a questionnaire is suggested. This tool encourages self-reflection and includes questions about personal history, work experiences, relationships, and lifestyle habits. For example, it asks if someone has lived in a neighborhood where most people don’t have college degrees and if they’ve had jobs involving physical labor. It also explores relationships with people from different backgrounds and involvement in community events.
Lifestyle-related questions look at daily choices and consumer habits. By scoring the responses, the questionnaire shows how different experiences and backgrounds influence understanding of society. Overall, this assessment aims to highlight important differences in American life and encourages people to recognize their social situations to promote understanding across class divides.
5 The Bright Side of the New Upper Class
The new upper class in America offers both benefits and drawbacks. Members are often friendly and play a key role in boosting the economy and living standards by focusing on finding and developing talented individuals. Since World War II, this focus has led to more qualified workers. Historical examples show that selecting skilled recruits can lead to better performance. While technological advancements have improved lives, the new upper class may be isolated from regular society. Efforts to reduce income inequality could harm productivity, but their distinct culture may lead to a lack of understanding of broader social issues, requiring them to engage more with the general population.
Part II
The Formation of a New Lower Class
A new lower class has emerged in America, distinct from the traditional working class. Historically, the working class was integral to American life, but over the years, a significant number of white Americans have formed a lower class that deviates from traditional norms. This change gained attention in the 1960s and 1970s, alongside the rise of counterculture and urban underclass communities. Unlike simple lifestyle differences, this separation impacts people's quality of life and community cohesion, raising concerns about America's stability and future.
6 The Founding Virtues
The American project has been built on four key virtues: industriousness, honesty, marriage, and religiosity. These traits have been vital for shaping American society and its government, particularly from 1960 to 2010. Historical observations noted that the success of the American Constitution relied on the moral character of its citizens. Founders believed that without personal virtue, even the best government could fail to ensure freedom and happiness. Industriousness emphasized hard work and striving to improve one's life and future generations. Honesty was deemed essential for society to function well, with founders like Thomas Jefferson expressing that trustworthiness was crucial for a free society. Marriage was viewed as the foundation for moral citizenship, where strong relationships were believed to create good citizens. Finally, religiosity was acknowledged as necessary for maintaining moral standards, with figures like George Washington affirming its importance for the republic. From the 1830s to the mid-20th century, these virtues were taught in schools, particularly through the McGuffey Readers, influencing generations. Although the formal emphasis on these virtues declined, they remain seen as vital for America’s ongoing success.
7 Belmont and Fishtown
Two fictional neighborhoods, Belmont and Fishtown, are used to analyze the trends in upper-middle-class and working-class populations from 1960 to 2010. Belmont, an affluent suburb, has highly educated residents with significant incomes, while Fishtown, a working-class area, has low education levels and incomes. The analysis focuses on adults aged 30 to 49, showing changes in the proportions of white Americans in each neighborhood. An index combining education and job demands helps track these trends, highlighting differences in behavior and opinions between the two areas.
8 Marriage
Marriage has significantly declined among white Americans over the past fifty years, with noticeable differences between socioeconomic classes, particularly in two areas: Belmont and Fishtown. In the 1960s, the majority believed marriage was essential for happiness and thought negatively about premarital sex and divorce. By the 2000s, attitudes shifted, leading to similar views on marriage and divorce across classes, but higher education levels in Belmont revived more traditional beliefs regarding marriage.
From 1970 onwards, marriage rates dropped sharply. By 2010, only 48% of whites in Fishtown were married, with increasing rates of never-married individuals and divorce. While Belmont maintained stable divorce rates, Fishtown saw one-third of marriages affected by divorce and a decline in self-reported happiness. The structure of families also changed, with a rise in nonmarital births, especially among less educated women in Fishtown. This shift affects children's well-being, with research indicating that children do best with married biological parents. The overall trend shows a destabilization in Fishtown, with fewer happy marriages and a decline in children raised by both biological parents.
9 Industriousness
Industriousness, or the drive to work hard, has decreased among white males, especially in Fishtown, a lower socioeconomic area. In the past, many Americans believed in finding meaning through work. However, between the early 1970s and 2006, fewer white males preferred jobs that provided a sense of accomplishment. Instead, more started to value job security and shorter hours. Along with this shift, fewer men today feel ashamed about being unemployed, with many claiming they cannot work because of disabilities, which has led to a rise in those receiving federal disability benefits.
The number of white males participating in the workforce has declined over the years, particularly among those with lower education levels. Unemployment rates for lower-educated men have increased, even when the economy is stable. While some men still work long hours, many are working fewer hours, which shows a change in attitudes towards work.
Marriage also impacts employment rates, as married men are generally more likely to have jobs compared to single men. From the 1970s to the 2000s, more white women joined the workforce, though patterns differed based on education and marital status, reflecting broader changes in how society views work and responsibilities.
10 Honesty
Belmont has not had significant crime concerns, while Fishtown has faced increasing crime and imprisonment. Most criminals come from lower-class areas, particularly Fishtown. Between 1974 and 2004, the imprisonment rate for white adults in Fishtown rose dramatically, contrasting with Belmont’s stable rates. Although crime decreased nationally after the 1990s, Fishtown still experiences high violent crime rates. Honesty, rooted in moral principles, and integrity in business have faced challenges, especially since the 1980s, with many corporate scandals. Trends in personal bankruptcy also raise questions about individual integrity and willingness to repay debts.
11 Religiosity
Between 1960 and 2010, white America became less religious, particularly since the early 1990s. This shift contrasts with past church attendance, which peaked in the mid-1960s before declining. While fewer people identify as religious, those who do maintain strong affiliations have not changed much over the decades. Attendance at worship services has decreased slightly among believers. Religion still provides social capital by fostering community involvement, but the smaller active religious group risks being perceived as unusual, which could weaken its influence in communities.
12 The Real Fishtown
Social classes can be complicated, especially the new lower class in places like Fishtown. Many people in this class don’t fit the negative labels often associated with it; instead, they are just trying to get by. When someone relies on family for support, it can create stress in households, and the absence of fathers can make life harder for children growing up.
Marriage rates have dropped since the 1970s, leading to many young women having unplanned pregnancies and sometimes needing help from grandparents to raise their kids. Many working-age men in Fishtown are not looking for jobs, which keeps them dependent on welfare. Although unemployment rates seem stable, a lack of motivation to work can lead to families struggling.
Crime was once low in the area, but it has increased as family situations changed, with less effective discipline leading to more youth problems. The once-strong influence of the Catholic Church has weakened, and many young people no longer follow traditional church values.
Fishtown is also changing due to gentrification, where new, wealthier residents move in and alter local businesses and property values. This change threatens the community’s original character and stability, similar to what is happening in other working-class neighborhoods across the country.
13 The Size of the New Lower Class
The new lower class in America is made up of three main groups: men who earn too little to support a household, single mothers, and community isolates. Many men aged 30 to 49 struggle to earn above the poverty line, and the number of single mothers has significantly risen, putting pressure on families. Community isolates, often employed but socially disconnected, lack support networks. The percentage of the white new lower class has more than doubled from the 1960s to 2007, further increasing during the 2009 recession, affecting society and culture.
Part III
Why It Matters
Data can affect how we think about policies, but our beliefs about important issues often do not change, no matter the information. People with different political views interpret data differently: social democrats may push for wealth redistribution, social conservatives may want to support traditional values, and libertarians advocate for limited government. The changes in society over the last fifty years are seen as harmful to American community and individual happiness. If these trends are not fixed, many important parts of American culture could be at risk.
14 The Selective Collapse of American Community
The decline of American community life, especially in places like Fishtown, highlights issues of social trust and civic engagement. American exceptionalism is characterized by neighborliness and active participation in local problems, but these traits are fading. Edward Banfield noted how communities like Montegrano lacked cooperation due to a focus on short-term family benefits over communal interests, unlike St. George, which thrived on civic involvement.
Research reveals that social capital, or the connections within communities, is decreasing. Voter turnout and participation in community activities have significantly dropped from the 1960s to the 1990s. While affluent areas, such as "Latte Towns," maintain strong community engagement, low-income areas like Fishtown see rising social disengagement, partially due to lower marriage rates and decreased religious activities.
In Fishtown, trust in others has dramatically declined, from about 50% to 20% over decades, compared to more stable trust levels in wealthier areas. Ethnic diversity can also reduce social capital, complicating the ability to rebuild strong communities. Overall, weak social capital leads to lower satisfaction and greater vulnerability to crime.
15 The Founding Virtues and the Stuff of Life
Founding virtues are important for how people seek happiness and satisfaction in life. Research shows that a drop in social connections, marriage, hard work, honesty, and religious belief leads to less happiness, especially in lower-class areas like Fishtown. Happiness, according to Aristotle, is not just about quick pleasures but long-lasting satisfaction in life. Key sources of happiness include family, work, community, and faith. Studies show that married people are usually happier than singles, and having a satisfying job is also linked to greater happiness. Being involved in religious activities raises happiness levels, and active participation in community events helps too. While wealthier people often report being happier, true happiness often comes from strong relationships, meaningful work, and being connected to the community. In Belmont and Fishtown, happiness varies, with Fishtown seeing a significant decline over time.
16 One Nation, Divisible
The main ideas highlight that America's problems are more about class than race. When looking at data on marriage, jobs, and crime, it turns out that issues facing white working-class people are similar to those in other racial groups. Although there are significant differences in imprisonment rates, overall patterns show that both white and nonwhite communities deal with class separation. In the end, the situation in America shows that people of all backgrounds face common challenges related to class divisions rather than just ethnic differences.
17 Alternative Futures
The American project is facing a potential decline due to the growing divide between different social classes, leading to both pessimistic and optimistic views about the future. While great nations eventually decline, the United States can still exist in many forms but may lose the qualities that once made it special. This decline is compared to the fall of Rome, which lost its republican values despite its wealth.
The American project is based on the idea that a good government should keep people safe while allowing them freedom. In contrast, the European model focuses on providing economic security through welfare programs, which can limit personal freedom. Critics of the European system argue that it does not meet deeper human needs and that too much government help can reduce personal responsibility and weaken family and community connections. The American project has historically supported individual rights and strong social networks, but there are worrying signs that families and communities are getting weaker.
Both the wealthy upper class and the struggling lower class in the U.S. are facing problems. The upper class, despite having money and influence, seems to be losing its core values, leading to a decline in culture and confidence in moral standards. This change can be seen in how behaviors once considered typical of lower classes are now accepted among wealthier people.
Looking to the future, there is a possibility that people will move away from the welfare state model as they realize its shortcomings and seek simpler ways to support one another. Recent scientific research challenges the idea that human behavior can be easily changed by government policies and suggests that traditional family structures are important for well-being.
There is hope for a revival of American values through a potential "Great Awakening," which would focus on civic engagement, personal responsibility, and community involvement. This could help reinforce the values that have traditionally made America strong and unique.