The Unions and the Democrats: An Enduring Alliance

Taylor E. Dark

Published by Cornell University Press 2001

The Unions and the Democrats

An Enduring Alliance

Taylor E. Dark

https://doi.org/10.7591/9781501721175

About this book

Illuminates the inner dynamics of labor's relationship to the American political system over the past generation.

Author / Editor information

Taylor E. Dark was formerly Associate Dean of the Graduate School of American Studies at Doshisha University in Japan.

Reviews

Well-documented.

This welcome book provides a much needed update on the national political influence of organized labor. In a fair and balanced assessment, Dark demonstrates labor's continuing influence, even in the face of a general labor decline.

The Unions and the Democrats is one of the best books on both subjects in recent years.... It would be difficult to identify a book that is more informative about the political dynamics of organized labor in the United States.

Marick F. Masters:

The book's strengths are numerous. First, it tells a fascinating story. Second, its theoretical grip is forceful. Third, it is rich in institutional detail. Fourth, it puts labor's role into the broader electoral/legislative contexts it deserves. Fifth, it is interpretively balance—not polemically annoying. The Unions and the Democrats is must reading.

David Plotke, New School for Social Research:

Taylor Dark's book makes a valuable and original contribution to our understanding of contemporary American politics. Dark argues clearly and persuasively that despite all the claims about organized labor's decline, the unions remain an invaluable ally for the national Democratic Party.

Robert H. Zieger, University of Florida:

Taylor Dark examines the theme of union declension and the presumed marginalization of organized labor as a political actor with insight and imagination. He makes a compelling case that organized labor has continued to operate with surprising effectiveness on the political and legislative front. His analysis of the changing character of the political system, especially with reference to legislation and policy development concerning organized labor's role, is particularly cogent.

Frances Fox Piven, City University of New York:

It is widely said that the New Deal order has collapsed. Taylor Dark questions that wisdom with a judicious and well-informed portrait of the continuing collaboration of the unions with the Democratic party which was the hallmark of that order. An illuminating and chastening book, especially for those who think that labor's resurgence depends on an aggressive new labor politics.

John C. Gerring, Boston University:

It is a wonderful book, not the least because it traverses ground that has so rarely been covered.... Dark's book is not merely descriptive. His analytical framework draws on the exchange metaphor, in which the leadership structure of organized labor and of the political system at large are the central independent variables.... The Unions and the Democrats is a superb rendering of a very difficult subject, of interest to those who study American labor, Congress, the presidency, and recent American history. It should spur renewed study of a long-neglected subject.

Stephen Amberg:

A valuably argumentative and well-written analysis.

Topics

Frontmatter Publicly Available Download PDF	i
Contents Publicly Available Download PDF	v
Preface to the Cornell Paperbacks Edition Publicly Available Download PDF	vii
Acknowledgments Publicly Available Download PDF	ix
Introduction: The Continuing Significance of Labor Politics Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	1
Part One. BEYOND THE IMAGE OF DECLINE
1. The Debate about Decline Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	13
2. Labor Unions and Political Bargaining Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	32
Part Two. UNIONS IN THE WASHINGTON POWER GAME
3. Labor and the Johnson Administration: The Limits of Cooperation Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	47
4. Crises of Representation, I968-I976 Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	76
5. Labor and the Carter Administration: The Origins of Conflict Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	99
6. The Union Strategy to Regain the Presidency Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	125
7. Labor and the Congressional Democrats Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	141
8. The Clinton Administration: The Legacy of the Past Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	158
Conclusion: Organized Labor at the End of the Twentieth Century Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	191
Postscript: Labor Approaches the Post-Clinton Era Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	205
Notes Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	219
Index Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	243

(Deutsch)

Language: English
Publisher: Cornell University Press
Edition: Updated Edition
Audience: General/trade;
Pages
- Main content: 272
Illustrations
- Illustrations: 4
- Tables: 4
- Other: 4 tables
Keywords: Political Science & Political History; U.S. History; Labor History

eBook

Published: August 6, 2018
ISBN: 9781501721175