Critical Book Review: Limbo 1

Limbo

Blue-Collar Roots, White Collar Dreams

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Critical Book Review

Presented to

Adrienne Robinson

Arkansas Tech University

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PS 4003

Capstone Project

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by

Jessica Sachs

T01151149

April 11, 2017

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Lubrano, A. (2004). Limbo: Blue-collar roots, white-collar dreams. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Introduction

In Limbo, by Alfred Lubrano, Lubrano exhibits the struggles that a vast majority of the

working-class face year to year. He covers what it is like from both the aspect of the blue-collar

workers and white collar workers. Within this he describes the life experience he had growing up

with his father being a bricklayer most closely correlating to being a blue-collar job. Throughout

the book he also describes the hardships and triumphs to ultimately achieve the American dream.

Labrano takes the time to open up and provide the reader with extensive research and factual

evidence of his findings.

Summary

The book details the trials and tribulations that people of the working class go through.

Lubrano covers the broad idea of the working class but also breaks it down into the subcategories

of Blue-Collar and White-Collar living. Within this he has taken the liberty in explaining his life

stories and connecting them to those of other people. Limbo has direct broken down categories

that explain and describe in detail, the pros and cons of the working-class figure. As mentioned

before the book is divided into eight sections each of which have factual evidence and research

explaining their significance. On top of having that, the book includes personal stories of others

who have gone through the struggles of wanting to leave the blue-collar lifestyle in the attempt to

live the white-collar American dream. Limbo, blue-collar roots, white-collar dreams, by Alfred

Lubrano covers sections Bricklayers Son: The Birth and Clash of Values, Crawling Out of the

Black Hole: The Pain of Transition, The Shock of Education: How College Corrupts, Culture

Conflicts: First Encounters with Upper Class, Going Home: An Identity Changed Forever, Office

Politics: The Blue-Collar Way, Class Love and Progeny: The Ultimate Battle, Duality: The Never
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Ending Struggle with Identity. Each of these sections offer the reader the ability to better

understanding the divide and effect between blue-collar and white-collar individuals. Lubrano

uses his resources wisely. In doing this, Labrano has proved time and time again how to

accomplish success in certain classes and what important features to pay attention to. Having life

stories from other people has frther more allowed for the understanding of the divide within the

two social classes.

Critical Evaluation

In Limbo, by Alfred Lubrano, Lubranos purpose is to explain what people both lose and

gain by leaving their blue-collar root behind and following their white-collar dreams. My goal

was to write a book about an existing social class, the White-collar children first-generation

college graduates of blue collar parents, and to write one that would be accessible to those

without a PHD (1). The author makes sure the reader gains insight into every aspect of life.

The author does not show bias towards the subject in that he both speaks about his own

life journey as well as including studies comprised from leading experts and campuses around

America. This proves that he has focused his opinion around his own personal experience as well

as the experience of others. By doing this, he has also allowed himself to acquire a vast

understanding of all the factors that are included in his goal of explaining the transition that

families attempt from blue-collar jobs to white-collar jobs in pursuit of the America dream.

The reason someone should read this book is it gives them proof of what can be achieved

and what cant. It also allows the reader to further understand where there limitations are in

regards to their career path. Te strength of this book as well is that it points out how certain

sections negativities can lead to a further pursuit of a successful career.

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The book has no weaknesses that I feel are worth addressing. The author took the time to

eliminate bias opinions and let the life stories of others take control of questions that may be

asked. If there was one thing that could be added was statistical values and or further

breakdowns of the most important jobs that could help an individual escape the blue-collar

lifestyle and chase their white-collar dream.

The author makes connection throughout the book to his personal experience, beliefs, and

to the numerous scholars. Lubrano draws connections how getting a degree effects how a person

perceives those that do not have one. In The Shock of Education: How College Corrupts, this is

presented where it was stated I have a degree now talk to me and use big words (67). This

statement indicates how the power of education can ultimately make someone feel that they are

superior to others or seem to have the answer to everything. Later in the same passage it is stated

prepare for education to divide a family being embarrassed by his immigrant parents lack of

education (67). Reflecting on this statement it is true that there is a division even amongst

society between those with an education and those without. As society sees it, those without an

education will end up amounting to nothing. Education automatically gives individuals a high

standing in society. Although there may be no difference of intelligence from an individual with

education and one without education there is still stereotype of being of lower class. Lubrano

covers topics regarding specific individuals facing these challenges. The book provides

numerous details of individuals dealing with the divide between blue-collar roots and white-

collar dreams.

The author does not resort to suppression of contrary evidence as he allows for both sides

of the spectrum to be explained. The section of Crawling Out of the Black Hole: The Pain of

Transition demonstrates this through Mary Lou story. Mary Lous story exhibits her passion of
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becoming a nurse but being forced to follow another career path by her father. However, while

growing up she knew following the blue-collar ways of her father she would ultimately be able

to pursue what she wanted to do.

Lubranos case was proved through the extensive evidence collected from personal

experience, scholars, and campuses throughout America. By taking advantage of all his

resources, Labrano was able to use real life stories to back his statement. He made valid points in

all eight sections that fortified the goal he was wanting to achieve.

Conclusion

In Conclusion to reading Limbo, Blue-Collar Roots, White-Collar Dreams, by Alfred

Lubrano I was able to better understand the complex nature of the working class. The affects it

has on the members of both members of blue-collar and white-collar lifestyles is significant. It

sets a benchmark for others to understand their social class standing. Being able to understand

these boundaries and or stepping stones allows for an easier estimate of what is achievable.

Having said that, Labrano has demonstrated this throughout his book and has solidified not only

his goal but helped others understand how to achieve theirs.

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References

Lubrano, A. (2004). Limbo: Blue-collar roots, white-collar dreams. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.