How the American class system has consequences for the politics of public issues..
Write an essay of approximately 2-3 (double-spaced) pages on the following topic: Chapters 8 and 9 in the Gilbert text both address aspects of how the American class system has consequences for the politics of public issues. Select an important current or recent public policy debate (e.g. health care reform, tax reform, trade, energy, immigration). Briefly summarize the various positions in that debate, and then analyze the discussion in terms of 1) the role (or absence) of elite groups and 2) the role (or absence) of class consciousness. Conclude with a discussion of the implications of your analysis for the concepts discussed in these chapters in the text. You do not need to do special research on your policy issue, but you are welcome to do so.
How the American class system has consequences for the politics of public issues.
