The Squeezed Middle

As wages stagnate but living costs keep rising, the pressure on working

people grows more intense. The issue of living standards has become one of

the most urgent challenges for politicians in both Britain and America.

'The squeezed middle' brings together experts from both sides of the Atlantic

to ask what the UK can learn from the US. American workers have not

benefited from growth for an entire generation - the average American worker

earned no more in 2009 than in 1975. Now British workers are undergoing a

similar experience. No longer can they assume that when the economy grows

their wages will grow with it.

This collection brings together for the first time leading economic and

policy thinkers to analyse the impact of different policies on those on

low-to middle incomes and to explain what lessons the UK can learn from

America's 'lost generation'.

This timely book is essential reading for everyone concerned about the

living standards crisis, an issue which could decide elections as well as

shaping the future for millions of working families.

“"This timely book provides incisive analysis from leading scholars of a key issue of contemporary politics on both sides of the Atlantic. It explores why middle incomes have stagnated and discusses what might be done about it. If you read one political book this year you should read this one."”

"Provides a valuable comparative frame of reference...the chapters are linked together with considerable precision and conscious design." Work, employment and society
“This timely book provides incisive analysis from leading scholars of a key issue of contemporary politics on both sides of the Atlantic. It explores why middle incomes have stagnated and discusses what might be done about it. If you read one political book this year you should read this one.” Andrew Gamble, Professor of Politics, University of Cambridge

Sophia Parker is an Associate at the Resolution Foundation, having previously been the Director of Policy and Research. This book is the product of a year-long visiting fellowship at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government in 2010/11. Sophia has over a decade's experience in the field of UK social policy, in particular the issues around low income households and living standards.

The Resolution Foundation is an independent think tank working to improve the lives of people living on low to middle incomes.

As wages stagnate but living costs keep rising, the pressure on working people grows more intense. The issue of living standards has become one of the most urgent challenges for politicians in both Britain and America. 'The squeezed middle' brings together experts from both sides of the Atlantic to ask what the UK can learn from the US. American workers have not benefited from growth for an entire generation - the average American worker earned no more in 2009 than in 1975. Now British workers are undergoing a similar experience. No longer can they assume that when the economy grows their wages will grow with it. This collection brings together for the first time leading economic and policy thinkers to analyse the impact of different policies on those on low-to middle incomes and to explain what lessons the UK can learn from America's 'lost generation'. This timely book is essential reading for everyone concerned about the living standards crisis, an issue which could decide elections as well as shaping the future for millions of working families.

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