42 pages • 1 hour read
David K. ShiplerThe Working Poor: Invisible in America
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2004A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In The Working Poor: Invisible in America, David K. Shipler reveals the struggles of low-wage workers and migrant laborers who fuel America's prosperity yet remain trapped in poverty. Through individual stories, Shipler examines interconnected factors—financial instability, exploitative work conditions, lack of skills, family challenges, and inadequate education—arguing for comprehensive, intersectional remedies to address poverty effectively. The book includes sensitive topics such as abuse, addiction, and trauma.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
David K. Shipler's The Working Poor provides a compelling and thorough examination of America's low-income workers. Reviewers praise its detailed narratives and insightful analysis, although some note it can be overwhelming due to the extensive focus on hardship. The book is celebrated for compassionate storytelling and raising awareness, though it leaves some desiring more solutions.
Who Should Read The Working Poor?
Readers who appreciate meticulously researched social issues and human stories would enjoy The Working Poor by David K. Shipler. It appeals to those engaged by works like Barbara Ehrenreich's Nickel and Dimed and Matthew Desmond's Evicted, offering a deep dive into the struggles of America's low-wage earners.