Synopses & Reviews
This classic study of the American working class, originally published in 1973, is now back in print with a new introduction and epilogue by the author. An innovative blend of first-person experience and original scholarship, Aronowitz traces the historical development of the American working class from post-Civil War times and shows why radical movements have failed to overcome the forces that tend to divde groups of workers from one another. The rise of labor unions is analyzed, as well as their decline as a force for social change. Aronowitz’s new introduction situates the book in the context of developments in current scholarship and the epilogue discusses the effects of recent economic and political changes in the American labor movement.
Review
“A fascinating work of social history, thoughtful, informed and most suggestive. Aronowitz has succeeded brilliantly in evoking the character of modern industrial society.”—Noam Chomsky
Review
“Stanley Aronowitz succeeds marvelously in breaking the ritualized categories of sociologists in this field and in revealing the ideological content and function of these categories.”—Herbert Marcuse
Synopsis
'False Promises is a classic of its type, and well-known to specialist in labor studies. It is a highly original and bold perspective on American labor, still widely cited in the current literature and still a source of inspiration to many students.'