Economic Injustice and the Rhetoric of the American Dream

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Our economic arrangements require a persuasive story that can explain who is rich, who is poor, and why. This story shapes our attitudes toward what is just and unjust; this story dispenses power to some and withholds it from others; and the deeply political and paradoxical nature of this story presents a valuable site of rhetorical inquiry. Economic Injustice and the Rhetoric of the American Dream fills an important scholarly gap by connecting the need to make sense of economic arrangements with the rhetoric of the American Dream. Luke Winslow examines how the rhetoric of the American Dream has emerged as a dominant cultural touchstone in oscillation with a widespread shift to individualistic explanations for economic arrangements, the arrival of neoliberalism, growing levels on inequality, and dismal rates of economic mobility. By developing the tools of rhetorical and ideological criticism this book explores the American Dream in relation to religious, economic, educational, and political institutions ranging from Prosperity Theology to the candidacy and election of Donald Trump. Recommended for scholars in Communication, Economics, Political Science, and Religious Studies.

Reviews

Recognizing the saliency of his books topic, Luke Winslow does a phenomenal job writing in a manner that is accessible to most people. Economic Injustice is not only relevant to multiple academic disciplines, such as Sociology, Political Science, and Communications, but is also a significant contribution to the public. This book provides a timely look into Americas journey to the election of the unorthodox Donald Trump for people of all different political affiliations. As Winslow addresses the Millenial generation in his last chapter, it may be most important for students and older Millenials to examine Winslows words and decide whether they feel inspired to take part in the reformative ideological revolution he proposes. Economic Injustice and the Rhetoric of the American Dream should be at the forefront of every bookstore and in the hands of every student, academic, and member of the American public for a sobering glimpse into the past and future of American democracy and inequality. * Journal of Social Justice *
The discipline of communication and specifically rhetorical studies needs this book. The public needs this book. One of the first studies to emerge that attempts to gauge the rhetorical impact of Donald Trump, this is an important work keyed to the idea of economic injusticethose who foster it, resist it, and talk about it. Students of rhetoric, politics, ethics, morality, and public discourse will want to read this important new contribution. -- Barry Brummett, University of Texas at Austin
Covering a number of timely topicsincluding the neoliberalization of higher education, the Great Recession of 2008, and the politicalascendancy of Donald Trumpthis book demonstrates the potential of using rhetorical methods to critique the ideological underpinnings of economic rationality in liberal democracies. -- Joshua Hanan, University of Denver

Author Bio

Luke Winslow is assistant professor of communication at San Diego State University.