Outclassed is a smart, timely read that unpacks the growing divide between college-educated and non-college-educated Americans—and how that rift fuels political polarization. Joan C. Williams offers a compelling case for how progressives can better connect across class lines without compromising values.

Through sharp insights and real-world examples, Williams explores how cultural misunderstandings and privilege shape political messaging—and how the far right exploits those gaps. It’s both a critique and a call to action, with practical ideas for building a stronger, more inclusive movement.

Thank you, St. Martin’s Press, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I just finished Outclassed: How The Left Lost The Working Class And How To Win Them Back, by Joan C. Williams.

This book will be released on May 20, 2025.

This book is filled with attempts at arguments on how the left could win back the working class. However, I did not find this author to be very powerful or persuasive in her arguments. The book also was not that interesting and it was often a chore to keep going on to the next chapter. Unfortunately, this one had the feel of a series of boring college lectures.

I give this book a C.

Goodreads and NetGalley require grades on a 1-5 star system. In my personal conversion system, a C equates to 2 stars. (A or A+: 5 stars, B+: 4 stars, B: 3 stars, C: 2 stars, D or F: 1 star).

This review has been posted at NetGalley, Goodreads and Mr. Book’s Book Reviews

I finished reading this on January 14, 2025.