At which moments and in which ways did Jews play a central role in the development of American capitalism? Many popular writers address the intersection of Jews and capitalism; but few scholars; perhaps fearing this question’s anti-Semitic overtones; have pondered it openly. Chosen Capital represents the first historical collection devoted to this question in its analysis of the ways in which Jews in North America shaped and were shaped by America’s particular system of capitalism. Jews fundamentally molded aspects of the economy during the century when American capital was being redefined by industrialization; war; migration; and the emergence of the United States as a superpower.Surveying such diverse topics as Jews’ participation in the real estate industry; the liquor industry; and the scrap metal industry; as well as Jewish political groups and unions bent on reforming American capital; such as the American Labor Party and the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union; contributors to this volume provide a new prism through which to view the Jewish encounter with America. The volume also lays bare how American capitalism reshaped Judaism itself by encouraging the mass manufacturing and distribution of foods like matzah and the transformation of synagogue cantors into recording stars. These essays force us to rethink not only the role Jews played in American economic development but also how capitalism has shaped Jewish life and Judaism over the course of the twentieth century. Contributors:Marni Davis; Georgia State UniversityPhyllis Dillon; independent documentary producer; textile conservator; museum curatorAndrew Dolkart; Columbia UniversityAndrew Godley; Henley Business School; University of ReadingJonathan Karp; executive director; American Jewish Historical SocietyDaniel Katz; Empire State College; State University of New YorkIra Katznelson; Columbia UniversityDavid S. Koffman; New York UniversityEli Lederhendler; Hebrew University; JerusalemJonathan Z. S. Pollack; University of Wisconsin—MadisonJonathan D. Sarma; Brandeis UniversityJeffrey Shandler; Rutgers UniversityDaniel Soyer; Fordham University
#1367513 in Books Caliendo Stephen M 2014-07-22 2014-07-22Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .65 x 6.00l; .0 #File Name: 0813344980288 pagesInequality in America Race Poverty and Fulfilling Democracy s Promise
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. One StarBy High HopesSome information is exaggerated and author doesn't dispute opposing views.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy Diane DoucetteTimely piece with some strong support; backed up.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Classic statement and analysis of racial and economic inequalityBy GderfThis is a classic statement and analysis of racial and economic inequality in America. It's valuable as a fairly pragmatic discussion of many issues of concern to egalitarians.IntroductionRepresentation; rootsIncome and wealthHousingEducationCrime and employmentHealthGenderAffirmative ActionConclusion: Space between power and powerlessOn page 16 Calliendo says that few argue for equality of outcome. It's not true as egalitarians have dropped the pretext of equality of opportunity in favor of an unabashed demand for dollar for dollar equality. See for example 'Divided'; edited by David Kay Johnson and 'The Great Divide' by Joseph Stiglitz.There are a number of misrepresentations; such as America is still a rich nation and the top 1% control income and wealth. A recent article in Time magazine shows how the composition of the top 1% as well as the bottom quintile changes year over year. There is no 1% as many of us take our turn rising and falling. Citing the 1% is cover for the attack on the middle class. The introduction cites an aim of not to attach blame. However there is always implied if not stated blame on the rich instead of where it really belongs; on government policy. With government share nearing 50% GDP; if the 1% is receiving an inordinate share it's our government that is giving it to them. Wealth accounting doesn't consider per capita share of national debt. We are spending enough to make the bottom quintile into multi millionaires. As it is they consume more than the next quintiles.Calliendo writes of single motherhood with empathy for their struggles to make ends meet. We continually hear the altruistic popular mantra that it's not right to punish the children with deprivation. It's easy for the public to subscribe; but with near 100% correlation between single motherhood and poverty; equality can never be achieved as long as we encourage and subsidize single mothers.There is little consideration of how to pay for egalitarian recommendations. America's favorite political pastime of adding pork to every welfare bill is not considered. In health care the biggest question is how to pay; apparently no concern to the equality crowd. Even as we read Calliendo's call for equal treatment it's being revised to special treatment. It's just like Sheryl Sandberg said: paid leave and affordable child care would help achieve gender equality on a global level. Equal opportunity is not enough to ensure gender equality; according to a groundbreaking new report from U.N. Women. Instead; governments must commit to social policies that treat women differently in order to help them achieve economic parity with men. No egalitarian complains about the overpay of athletes. In the past thirty years the payoff for a boxing championship bout has gone from ½ million dollars to over 100. I suppose it's impolitic to cite this phenomenon as so many top athletes are black and Hispanic.More than other positions; perverse interpretation of poverty and wealth statistics shows that American egalitarianism is more about jealousy of the rich than concern for the poor as well as ignorance of the effects of dominant public policy. I prefer the more thoughtful egalitarian approach of John Rawls; Peter Singer and Vandana Sheva.More than 4 million borrowers; or 8 percent of all homeowners with a mortgage; remain underwater. While that is a 30 percent drop from a year ago; it's still a significant remnant of the Clinton fueled housing bubble. Now Bill Clinton defends his speaking fees “I gotta pay my bills.†That exemplifies actual public policy towards equality. Much of the book is wishful thinking about the effects of public policy. At the end of the book is an excellent; informative; thought provoking list of questions.
