A commonplace assumption about American workers is that they lack class consciousness. This perception has baffled social scientists, demoralized activists, and generated a significant literature on American exceptionalism. In this provocative book, a young sociologist takes the prevailing assumptions to task and sheds new light upon this very important issue. In three vivid case studies Fantasia explores the complicated, multi-faceted dynamics of American working-class consciousness and collective action.

"I would rate this book near the top of whatever scales measure importance. Good, strong, first-rate, unusually worthy, original-these are the adjectives that come to my mind."-Kai Erikson, Yale University

"This is a powerful and important book. It will challenge and educate specialists in the areas of the sociology and history of unions and social movements and the sociology of organizations."-Michael Schwartz, SUNY, Stony Brook