Class Matters: Cross-Class Alliance Building for Middle-Class Activists

by Betsy Leondar-Wright

Movements for social change could be more powerful if they had more class diversity—a factor that has limited their past size and clout. But attempting to cross class barriers has frequently left middle-class activists frustrated, with few resources to turn to for help. Based on interviews with 40 diverse activists and thinkers, Class Matters fills this gap by demystifying this taboo topic. A guide to building bridges across class lines and collaborating more effectively in mixed-class social change efforts, it is designed in lively, highly readable short “bites,” full of stories, ideas, quotations, tips and resources. Economic justice activist Betsy Leondar-Wright is the communications director at United for a Fair Economy. She has worked in mixed-class movements for over 25 years.

Genres: Class, Nonfiction, Politics, Activism

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2005

Reviews

[C.E. G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting look at owning, working and middle class cultures. I liked the layout - it felt more like reading a magazine that I could pick up or put down, and skim if a particular article wasn't catching my fancy. It's the first thing I think I've really read that dissects middle class culture rather than using it as the norm to contrast other class cultures with. A few things that I want to take with me:

*"Producerist philosophy" from Right Wing Populism in America by Berlet and Lyons. Conservative/white supremacist views benefit from fomenting "hatred for 'nonproductive' people at the top and bottom of the economy. White working people and businessmen are seen as the hard-working 'real Americans' who carry everyone else on their backs. Hate for the unemployed is woven together with racism (against low-income 'parasites,' presumed to be POC) and anti-Semitism (against owning-class 'parasites,' presumed to be Jewish)."

*Consensus based decision making can make a barrier for people not used to speaking out.

*"The movement against redlining screwed poor people by bringing gentrification."

*[Calling out] is what some young middle-class people do, and they see it as a mighty blow for freedom... It chills groups' environments; people are more scared, have less trust. It comes from academia, where middle-class people are trained to maintain their hierarchy in the society. Even if working-class children start out thinking their equal, the teachers' and preachers' job is to remind them that they're not. So rating people on scales is common in schools. And it is brought to diversity work by college-educated people... Working-class people at our best are about acceptance, not testing each other... if your goal is ranking people, calling people out works, but if your goal is helping people learn and grow, it's dysfunctional."

One thing that I would have liked to have seen in this book, which was maybe out of scope, was an exploration of the idea of mixed-class backgrounds.

But overall, good starting point.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a while to get through this book, as it's a series of stories and quotes from class activists rather than one longer narrative. Regardless, I found that it raised many important issues I hadn't before considered around issues of class. Much like with issues around race, it isn't helpful to try and be "class-blind." The class we were raised in has a profound effect on the way we see the world - it's worth constantly investigating how class informs our choices, and there is real education in identifying and owning our class. I was particularly amused by passages on "counterculture," left-wing, middle class activists as described by low income activists. One woman describes how personal hygiene seems to be something middle class activists pay less attention to in an attempt to be "of the people" (foregoing deodorant is not somehow standing in solidarity with low wage earners!), and that dietary preferences like being vegan are tied with being a middle or owning class citizen - most low income folks don't have the privilege of choosing such a lifestyle. All and all, a worthwhile introductory read if you are a middle class American interested in issues of class.

[Gemini · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a book that people should read to get a better understanding of how class effects everyone & you sometimes don't realize that you take things for granted when middle or upper class. Being an activist, it's so important to for all voices to be heard, not just those w/ money. The stories from all these different people being told are important for people to listen to. People also can't assume that all BIPOC grew up or are poor or working class, but it isn't always the case although due to systemic racism which creates these classes in a capitalistic society. Betsy does a good job of having these various stories be told in a way that's easy to digest piece by piece.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very thorough and thoughtful book about class relationships in activist coalitions. It is full of stories from people of all classes, and sets out guiding principles in a clear and interesting format.

[Joel D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Lots to chew on. Does a great job of articulating the importance of cross class collaboration and what every class has to offer.

[Ariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Betsy Leondar-Wright compiles a useful list of short editorials, fact boxes, interviews, and book excerpts on cross-class organizing. This book says it's for middle-class activists, but I didn't feel excluded at all! (My family is working-class, but not poor, and I'm training for a middle-class career as an academic.)

Pluses:

What a useful book! (I can't say that for a lot of what I read in school, so I read Class Matters while procrastinated on my "assigned" readings.) This book gave me lots of ideas for my own organizing. I think networking with activists in other communities is so essential so you're not isolated and re-inventing the wheel in your own town.

Accessible writing connects theory and activism while being critical of super-mega-code of academia

Discussions of intersections of oppression as barriers to cross-class organizing. What I found especially insightful: potential working class white male activists can be treated as oppressors or ignorant racist hicks and unwelcome in organizing.

I gave Class Matters four stars instead of five because the snooty English major in me thought the book wasn't as professionally put together as it could have been.

[Anita · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book had some keen insights about Class-- which I have included in a short lecture series I am doing at the Vineyard Church. It had an "activists" audience which did not resonate with me (although i am speaking at City Council meetings more than I ever thought :). I didn't love the layout of the book -- it read choppy and it was very experiential-- although fine-- just not my style.

[Lilac · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the books that lives in my bathroom. It has a lot of interesting insights, and is easy to ready in tiny bits (and maybe hard to read straight through, at least, apparently, for me)

[Shoshanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for thinking about organizing across racial divides. Highlights alot of thinking comes up in much of my own organizing experiences and sheds some light on how to move forward.

[Dayspring · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven't read it cover to cover but from what I've read so far, it's a great resource and collection of narratives from activists ranging in identities and class backgrounds.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I ☆guess☆ I'm middle class. ... book of strategies, heads-up, tactics and sensitivity training ... everyone has something to contribute to the struggle ...