Book SummaryThe New Class War, by Michael Lind

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The New Class War

The struggle between the upper echelons of society and the working populace epitomizes a contemporary battle of class distinctions.

The managerial elite's accumulation of control across economic, governmental, and cultural sectors has adversely affected the well-being of the predominantly working-class majority.

Michael Lind discusses the ongoing conflict between different social strata in Western nations, marked by a division between a select group of highly educated managers and specialists, and the broader majority of the working class. The elite's consolidation of power in multiple domains, such as economic, political, and cultural spheres, has significantly diminished the working class's capacity to bargain and wield influence.

A specific group composed of highly educated individuals in managerial and professional roles not only occupies the most financially rewarding jobs but also wields considerable influence over wealth and key institutions.

The author describes a distinct portion of the population, approximately 10-15%, distinguished by their higher educational achievements and advanced degrees, as the elite governing segment of society. They occupy the highest echelons of society, encompassing leaders of major corporations, financial managers, legal practitioners, academic contributors, information purveyors, and heads of philanthropic organizations. This group exerts considerable influence through their positions at the helm of various key institutions, such as government agencies, global corporations, educational establishments, charitable foundations, and media companies. The accumulation of wealth and influence, which also dictates cultural stories, has led to limited opportunities for the working class to obtain resources and a reduced influence on the processes of making decisions.

Michael Lind challenges the notion that one's position in the upper echelons of society is exclusively a result of individual effort and merit. He emphasizes research indicating that children of the elite frequently inherit prestigious positions, gaining advantages from their ancestral lineage, which encompasses chances to enroll in top-tier educational institutions. The system thus preserves its equilibrium, providing minimal opportunities for advancement to individuals engaged in physical or unskilled labor.

Other Perspectives

• The correlation between higher education and occupying financially rewarding jobs does not necessarily imply causation; other factors such as networking, nepotism, and socioeconomic background may also play significant roles.
• The percentage of the population that constitutes the elite governing segment may vary significantly depending on the country or region, and the 10-15% figure might not accurately represent all societies.
• The composition of the elite is not static and can include individuals from diverse backgrounds who have achieved success through different means, including entrepreneurship, innovation, or entertainment, which are not explicitly mentioned.
• The assumption that all individuals in these roles use their influence uniformly is an oversimplification, as there is often a diversity of thought and approach within these sectors.
• Decision-making processes in democratic societies are influenced by a broader spectrum of stakeholders, including voters, activists, and public opinion, which can counterbalance the influence of the elite.
• The concept of merit can be multifaceted, including not just academic achievement or intelligence, but also soft skills, creativity, and emotional intelligence, which can contribute to an individual's...

The New Class War Summary The geographical divide sets apart urban centers from both suburban zones and rural localities.

In the context of the geographical divide Lind emphasizes, it's easy to mistakenly consider the terms "metropolitan" and "countryside," yet these terms do not accurately capture the situation he describes. The author suggests that a more precise understanding of class divisions would be to see them as a contrast between densely populated regions and less populated ones, instead of a division between rural and urban areas.

Urban areas are often marked by a significant concentration of affluent individuals and are encircled by zones rich in service industries and premium amenities.

Michael Lind emphasizes that the influential class wields its power predominantly from the heart of bustling urban hubs. Metropolitan centers, exemplified by New York and San Francisco, stand as prime illustrations of this concept. These regions serve as central points for industries that specialize in financial services, technological development, marketing, and consultancy. The financial strength of the elite is enhanced by their association with large multinational corporations that serve as their patrons.

The author highlights that a significant portion of the upper class's earnings is...

The New Class War Summary Recent history has been characterized by the rise and subsequent fall of democratic pluralism, which was then succeeded by the neoliberal revolution and ultimately gave way to a surge in reactionary populism.

After World War II, a system of democratic pluralism emerged, in which the working class gained bargaining power through labor unions, mass-membership parties, and other institutions.

Michael Lind suggests that the period after World War II was characterized by an increase in democratic pluralism within Western nations. He characterizes the system as one where authority is distributed in a notable way between various groups, with a clear dynamic of control evident in the interactions between employees and management. Labor organizations, in conjunction with a variety of political entities and an array of religious and community institutions, played a pivotal role in raising worker issues and goals to a level where they could shape policy-making.

The period of considerable wealth and societal steadiness began when the national elite found themselves obliged to share power and resources more equitably with the workforce.

Lind suggests that the ruling class was compelled to relinquish a significant amount of control and offer compromises because of the principles inherent in a diverse democracy, resulting in a more equitable distribution of power and resources. During...