No comments about In Pursuit of Equity: Women, Men, and the Quest for Economic Citizenship in 20th-Century America.

No comments about It's About Time: Couples and Careers (ILR Press Books).

No comments about Peter Maurin: Apostle To The World.

4 comments about The Myth of Mondragon: Cooperatives, Politics, and Working-Class Life in a Basque Town (Anthropology of Work).

1. The book contains many new insights into the internal working of the Mondragon cooperatives and their economic, social and political problems. Ms Kasmir's meticulous field-work and her studies of different historical archives of the Mondragon community offer a realistic picture about the Mondragon cooperatives unique experience



2. There is no myth in Cooperative Mondragon if you have lived in Mondragon in 1960's, if you grow thru an artificially induced process of 40% unemployement, and sharing day to strugle of been lucky to get minimum wage and abuses of dictatorship under industrialism of General Franco.
   The priests who funded the Cooperative (today with 60,000 employee owners) althought no perfect found a better solution.
   Mondragon is perfect in front of the Enrons, MCIs, not a single person in the cooperative is yet to lose a pension or health coverage, or security of live, that beats 99% what Kasmir tries to compare Mondragon against other forms of ownership.



3. I recently read Roy Morrison's "We Build the Road As We Travel" to gain a better understanding of cooperatives in general and the Mondragon cooperative system in particular. After reading Morrison's book I wanted to know more about Mondragon and so I picked up Kasmir's book.
   
   After reading "The Myth of Mondragon" I have a very different idea of Basque Spain throughout the Franco years and the developmental years of the Mondragon cooperative system. While Morrison's book mentions the complexity of the region and the cooperative system itself Kasmir actually digs into both and produces quality thought-provoking information helping the reader to find a broader conclusion base.
   
   While it is true that the cooperatives have provided job stability and health care - things that all folks ought to be guaranteed - Kasmir also points out that globalization has exacerbated class issues within the cooperatives as well as created an atmosphere in the cooperatives that is less distinct from the local private firms than it maybe once was.



4. The author is a sociologist who spent quite a bit of time in the '80s and '90s in Mondragon. The important thing about this book is that it showss that a formal system of "economic democracy" does not ensure that workers will have effective control over the places where they work. In the Mondragon cooperatives there is an internal class division. The managers and engineers are really in control. Worker "social committees" were not given time off from work to do their job properly, to raise issues of concern to workers. And workers were prohibited by the rules of the coops to bring in outside consultants, because that would enable them to challenge management's plans. Effective worker management control would have to go beyond just a general meeting and "one-person, one-vote" democracy to actually training workers to know the ropes and give people paid time to learn and participate effecttively. the "myth of Mondragon" is the myth that workers are really in control of the coops. At the same time, this is not to say that workers have not benefited from the coops. And capitalist employers in the Basque country have also introduced worker participation schemes to get the same increases in productivity the Mondragon coops get from their profit sharing and nonimal (but minimal) avenues for worker input.

5 comments about Losing Your Job-Reclaiming Your Soul : Stories of Resilience, Renewal, and Hope (Jossey-Bass Business & Management Series).

1. In the past few years I've had a series of what I considered negative career experiences. I started out many years ago to be a teacher, but (due to an impossible job market) made a lateral move into a business career in which I'm using the same skills. But I kept on teaching part-time because I felt that was what I "should" be doing. Then I had a series of Classes From Hell that left me psychologically bruised and burned out, and finally, feeling utterly defeated, I quit teaching. A short time later, after years of working as an independent contractor, I took a "permanent" job that turned out to be a serious mistake: it was demanding but narrow in scope, so I was exhausted and bored at the same time; I did a mediocre job and eventually was laid off. I picked up Pulley's book just when I was in my worst "I'm a failure at everything" depressed state. It helped me realize that, on some level, I knew better all along: I went into teaching because of family expectations, and although I'm moderately good at it I was always uncomfortable as a teacher. Likewise, I felt I shouldn't turn down a permanent job because it was "secure" (the Depression-era mentality of my parents!), and, although it was patently wrong for me, I was afraid to quit for the same reason. The collapse of both jobs caused me to question all these assumptions. And Pulley's book helped me to realize that this FREED me to consider what I really wanted to do and what was most important to me in life. A very helpful book for anyone who has been laid off, or who feels he/she might be.



2. There are not many books that I stay up until 2:00am reading, but this is one of them. I was laid of, from a merger/aquisition, after working for the "company" for 10 years. I felt betrayed, I had no loyalty, and I was depressed ! Finding my resilance and takeing the "lessons" from each of the chapters got me through a tough time in my life. The bibliography was accurate and easy to follow. I even learned that "Pandora's Box did not release "HOPE"" from all the evils in the in famous Pandoras' box. One last not I also bought audio cassette of Sara Hickman's "Necessary Angels" when I had no income... not a wise decision you might say ?....wrong Ed Mc Mann....This was one of the best purchases I made when I needed a lift in my sprirts....what am I doing today.... I have started a new home based business, from my skills and past experiences. I may go back to "work" if the right "offer" come to me. I have also gotten involved in a small business group at my church....(sprituality).... I would rate this book right up there with WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PARACHUTE for people who have had an "involuntary job loss". I have also read William Bridges books on transitions which is also referenced in this book !



3. I picked up this book with some skepticism after losing a job, but found that I could not put it down! And after finishing it, I went out and got a temp job in ONE DAY which I still have -- and have been asked to stay on. It is excellent as practical as well as philosophical support for anyone seeking to improve his or her resilience in a crisis. Instead of despair Pulley and Deal offer hope.



4. Ms. Pulley has written a very useful treatise on resilience in the context of the workplace. She very succintly brings out the feelings and emotions that a person who has lost his/her job involuntarily feels and experiences. Her ideas and thoughts based on her interviews with people who have gone through the "trough" would make an invaluable contribution to those who are on their path to recovery and more importantly success on their terms. Though the book is written based on the American experience, I am of the opinion that it is applicable anywhere in the world. For those who live under the threat of likely loss of their job involuntarily, this book would be useful in understanding the feelings that you may be encountering.This book could even be a road-map to move-on and re-define yourself, discover a new dimension of success and of course, get on with re-building and living a more meaningful life in which you will find satisfaction and happiness in.



5. If you have lost your job involuntarily, think you may be on the bubble or are just questioning your whole approach and understanding of the work-a-day world, you should read this book! I lost my job in August of 2002 after returning from a very successful 3-year assignment in London. I was devastated, how could I be treated this way. I thought if you showed up and did a great job, you were in for life. Boy was I wrong! I came across this book recommended by an author of a paperback called The Lay-Off Survival Guide.

   I won't say this book changed my life (I am not sure a book can really do that) but it certainly changed the way I think about work and my own skills - forever! I realized that there are lots of people out there struggling with the same issues and lots of people going through their daily routines and feeling unfulfilled. I also realized that I had the power to change that about my life.

   I find Mrs. Pulley's balance of personal interviews and research as well as reference work of other authors, psychologists, and philosophers to lend credibility, believability and inspiration to this book.

   When someone asks you, "so, who are you?" and your answer starts with "I'm a manager of... or I work for..." then YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!

   I have now left big corporate America and am working in a 3-person start-up software company. I don't think I could ever go back to the other life. Thank you Mary Lynn Pulley for helping me transform!

No comments about Whose Detroit?: Politics, Labor, and Race in a Modern American City.

2 comments about Pension Mathematics with Numerical Illustrations (Pension Research Council Publications).

1. this little book taught me in a few hours all hat i needed to know in order to draft my first pension related actuarial report. clear concise and to the point.



2. I'm a retired teacher who got elected to my local Borough council. I found this book very clear and useful in learning about pensions, even though ours are municipal and it deals with private pensions. Many of the same considerations apply and even the formulas given and explained are not beyond the understanding of a careful general reader.

1 comments about Walter Reuther: THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN IN DETROIT.

1. Besides leaving behind a freeway named after him, Reuther is a modern Father of the Radical Left, and has left behind a legacy of Union corruption, crooked party politics, and collective brainwashing. A fascinating book, a fascinating man, and a heck of a story, it's ideologically incorrect in that it exalts Reuther toward legacy status, and it appeases those that believe in the power of government, and the collective mentality of the masses. It's all good and well, says the author, because unions and government usurpation and regulation are all glorious. Horrible mentality, but good writing and research. Reach your own judgements.

No comments about The Coolie Speaks: Chinese Indentured Laborers and African Slaves in Cuba (Asian American History & Cultu).

5 comments about Reflections Of An Affirmative Action Baby.

1. I must confess from the outet that likely I am not part of a recognized minority, unless one considers a short, German belonging to a small, conservataive Christian church such.

   Carter is a provocative writer and thinker. Having read other works of his on culture and religion and law, this is yet another which shows us this talented man's ability to present a lucid, well thought out opinion.

   Many points put forth in this work caused me to seriously ponder my views, and my culture's. My sensisitivity has been heightened, my horizons have been stretched and broadened. Admittedly so, I have not had enough exposure to all the voices Carter provides besides his own. This is of tremendous value to me.

   Still horrifying and repugnant to me personally to know the reality of racism and all of its trump cards that both sides play. Carter seeks to expose them all for what they're worth. The solidarity and love he has for his heritage shines forth, as well the balance and passionate opinions he expresses for resolve in the future.




2. I picked up this one in a second-hand bookstore in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. What an odd place for such a book, and what a treat it was for me!!

   I have many friends from the US, and I have over the years heard they mentioning of "AA-programs". Some of my friends are positive to the AA-programs while others are against them. I must confess that I have absolutely no first-hand experience on this topic at all. I have the "preferred" skin-color, and also I'm living in Norway - which is one of the more advanced countries when it comes to equal opportunities - equal pay etc. Therefore, in the past, I had little to contribute with when the topic was discussed. And lack of knowledge was probably my strongest motive for reading "Reflections of an Affirmative Action Baby".

   One would think that a serious topic as Affirmative Action really is, would make a dry and rather verbose book. But Dr. Carter has an easy writing style, combined with his personal anecdotes - "Reflections of an Affirmative Action Baby" was an entertaining read! I greatly enjoyed the book from page one. It was too good to put down, so I finished it in a few long sittings.

   After reading this book, I have a better understanding on how the different AA-program works. And I must admit that I side with the ones of my friends whom are against such programs. This, simply because I truly believe that "color-blind is best". Treat everyone as individuals, and stop the stereotyping, and the building up under the belief that minorities cannot compete in a level playing field. For example, when American universities admit Blacks, Hispanics or others with lower exam scores than the rest, it is a waste of resources. They are more likely to follow the trend with lower test results than the rest, to not pass the exams, or fail to graduate at all (Thomas Sowell "Race and Culture - A world view", 1995). If any minority group be it Blacks, Hispanics or others, score lower than other groups, the recourses should be put in to improving the schools rather than telling them (the minorities) they do not need to meet the same standards as others. I can of course never completely comprehend or understand the terrible injustice and the endless frustrations that the minorities must have suffered, as I believe you have to have "walked in their shoes" to do so. But I am at least much more knowledgeable when discussing the topic.

   After reading the book I passed it on to my friend, Rosa. She is living in US, but her parents moved from Puerto Rico to US some 30 years ago. She too, finished the book in a sitting or two, and she passed it on to her mother who was visiting from US. Both Rosa and her mother could perfectly well identify with Dr. Carter's book. I can never imagine what it is like to feel the doubt of colleagues to whether my success was achieved because of my race (and thereof by the privileges granted under an AA-program) rather than merit. But according to what Rosa told me, that is something all minorities has to live with. I am sure she knows what she is talking about, being a highly successful woman teaching (and doing her Ph.D.) at one of the best universities in Chicago. Another (black) friend of mine (also very successful) says "..My SAT-score was way above the score required, and I would have been admitted to the West Point Academy even if I was polka-dotted. But I am so used to the accusations of me achieving what I have achieved due to my skin-color rather than to my merits, to the point where that I am not even offended by it anymore..."

   "Reflections of an Affirmative Action Baby" is a book that taught me many things, and it should be required reading for everyone.

   It is a book that leaves you thinking - which is not necessarily a bad thing...




3. Once over lunch with a Polish-American friend of mine, we discussed affirmative action. I support it; she doesn't. "Carolyn," she said, "you're so smart. Aren't you resentful that people will think that you got so far in school, employment, and life in general because of the color of your skin?"

   "Kim," I answered, "what makes you think that black people don't think that everytime we see unqualified white people who've "made it"? Do you really think George W. Bush would have been admitted to Yale if he'd been black?" That gave her some food for thought so I was able to finish my share of the sushi before we moved on to dissect "Memento". I loved it; she hated it.

   The point is, the argument that affirmative action is somehow unfair to blacks because it lumps the "unqualified" in with the "qualified" is bull. Life lumps the "unqualified" in with the "qualified" all the time. Which is why both a D student cheerleader like George W. Bush and and an A+ student bi-lingual Academy Award winner like Jodie Foster hold degrees from Yale.

   Why is it that all of the black intellectuals who come out against affirmative action owe their educations and careers to its existence? It's amazing how these men and women want to turn around and lock the doors that openly admitted them so that no more minorities can pass through.

   Stephen L. Carter's argument is flawed. But I'm sure it helped sell his book, so more power to ya, brotha! Count your cash and forget the cost to minorities in America.




4. This is not the book that many will expect it to be. If the reader is looking for a book taking a position for or against affirmative action, she will be dissapointed here. In fact, half of the book actually is absent talk of affirmative action at all. What Carter does do in "Reflections.." is relay to us his experiences, thoughts and feelings on the matter in the style of an internal socratic dialogue.

   Stephen Carter is just the man to do it. He has written many books on the many aspects of law and, as he conveys in this cultural memoir, has aquired views notoriously hard to pin down (how many 'liberals' do YOU know who wrote books suggesting that church/state seperation has been taken too far?!) Accordingly, he can admits both being helped by affirmative action and being psychologically hurt by some of it's misguided effects. His willingness to think and write about these quandaries, so often neglected by other thinkers, makes this a fascinating read. No dogmatic diatribes or easy answers, just discussion that is passionate yet objective.

   While affirmative action dominates the first half of the book, it is used as a springboard to the second half, which discusses a deeper problem- that of a noticeable distrust in Black America of dissenting political voices. Thomas Sowell, Shelby Steele, Clarence Thomas and the like are quick to be called 'white' or 'inauthentic' if they voice opinions contrary to mainstream black thought. Whether or not you agree with Carter's observation, his discussion here is lively, thoughtful and always respectful of all angles.

   So, to close, the reason for the subtracted star is the fact that this book might disappoint two expectations readers may have for it- First, there are no conclusions reached here. While this is a good thing in itself, the reader looking for winning intellectual argument will need to look elsewhere. The second is that the title is a bit misleading as only about 100 pages are actually on affirmative action. Again, the discussion after is just as mind-capturing. Still, because of the title and synopsis, it is a bit misleading.




5. Carter's most lucid thesis is that racial preferences demoralize both non-whites and whites because the preferences presume that non-whites are incapable of scoring and competing with whites. Carter believes that blacks need to eschew preferences to "show what we can do."
   
   My response to this is, "Who cares what white people think?" It's really that simple. Maybe Carter developed a complex because he was not considered the best person for the job, but merely the best black person, but I really think that there are bigger stakes involved than whether a white audience approves of a person of color's placement. Beating white people at standardized tests doesn't make me feel more like a man. In theory, the people that racial preference select for will bring their perspective, concern, and priorities to bear on whatever course of study they embark, and the differences in perspective, concern, and priorities aren't going to be measured by whatever standardized test are administered. This argument isn't the enemy of merit, it's merely the acknowledgment that what constitutes merit isn't as easily or narrowly defined as the prescribed tests and grading system would have us believe.
   
   If it were the case that the current American system of merit accurately assessed the society's moral, cultural, and economic needs, then I'd agree with Carter, but I haven't idolized the current testing and grading industry, and I don't believe that they are attuned to the complex social and political problems for which people are selected by preferences to address. The idea that Malcolm X may not have gotten into Princeton disturbs me. Or that Maya Angelou would not have been admitted to Yale's English program as an undergrad because of low scores is something.