State of Resistance - by Manuel Pastor (Paperback)

About the Book

A leading sociologist's brilliant and revelatory argument that the future of politics, work, immigration, and more may be found in California.

Book Synopsis

A leading sociologist's brilliant, revelatory argument that the future of politics, work, immigration, and more can be found in California

Lauded by James Fallows on the front page of the New York Times Book Review as "concise, clear, and convincing" upon its hardcover publication, State of Resistance makes the case for honestly engaging racial anxiety in order to address our true economic and generational challenges, renewing our commitment to public investments, cultivating social movements and community organizing, and more.

Once upon a time, any mention of California triggered unpleasant reminders of Ronald Reagan and right-wing tax revolts, ballot propositions targeting undocumented immigrants, and racist policing that sparked two of the nation's most devastating riots. In fact, California confronted many of the challenges the country faces now--decades before the rest of us.

As white residents became a minority and job loss drove economic uncertainty, California had its own Trump moment twenty-five years ago but has become increasingly blue over each of the last seven presidential elections. Today, California is leading the way on addressing climate change, low-wage work, immigrant integration, overincarceration, and more. Pastor expertly reveals how the Golden State did it.

And as Neera Tandeen, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, said, "State of Resistance paints a brilliant picture of how our generation can seize the opportunity to forge a more inclusive, just, and prosperous America for every family."

Review Quotes

Praise for State of Resistance:
"In his book, which is concise, clear and convincing, [Manuel Pastor] contends that the redemptive arc of modern California's history offers both cautionary and constructive guidance on a vision for the country as a whole. Pastor sets out his story in three acts--rise, fall, and recovery--each of which offers surprising insights for readers outside the state (and many inside as well). 'America now looks like California at its lowest point, ' Pastor says. He offers a guide to a possible path back up."
--James Fallows, The New York Times Book Review

"Provocative and deftly argued, Pastor's book reminds us that the future is unwritten and that it always has deep roots in, and connections to, the past."
--Kirkus Reviews

"[A] slim, densely packed volume covers a great deal of material, tracing the decline of California's midcentury prosperity and the state's eventual rebound from divisive policies and politics."
--Publisher Weekly

"Readers interested in U.S. social and political economy at the state and local levels will find this a deeply engaging look at the sociopolitical landscape of the Golden State, and what it means for the rest of America."
--Booklist

"We should never underestimate what we can learn from history. Skilled storyteller and trusted movement educator Manuel Pastor gives us a unique view of recent California history and reveals a hopeful way forward for the whole country. Everyone who's concerned about our nation's current direction should read this book--for insight and inspiration."
--Ai-jen Poo, director, National Domestic Workers Alliance

"The story of California's rise, fall, and resurgence is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand how the state built a prosperous post-war economy, retreated from the American Dream in favor of race-baiting public policy in the face of changing demographics, then regained its promise with the leadership of communities of color. No one knows more about social movements than Dr. Pastor. He lets us see under the hood of so-called 'protest movements' to the sophisticated, multi-pronged strategy, developed and executed by everyday people with the most at stake."
--Rinku Sen, founder of Race Forward

"In this fresh and insightful book, Manuel Pastor shows us that there is a way out of the political morass America finds itself in--and that California has already cleared the path. From the pain of a shattered social compact to the power of investing in the shared future of a diverse population, California's recent history has important lessons to impart. . . . State of Resistance is not a call to arms but a call to reason."
--Heather McGhee, president, Demos

"Professor Pastor's remarkable new book serves as both a powerful history lesson and an insightful vision for the future of our country. Having worked in politics during the era of Donald Trump, I believe that State of Resistance paints a brilliant picture of how our generation can seize the opportunity to forge a more inclusive, just, and prosperous America for every family."
--Neera Tanden, president and CEO, Center for American Progress

"During a time of rising right-wing nationalism and Trumpism, State of Resistance gives us more than history, it gives us the shape our actions should take to build a more compassionate and inclusive society where people and the planet might thrive. This book is not just a call to action, it is also a call to hope."
--john a. powell, director, Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society, UC Berkeley

"Manuel Pastor thinks California is our future. I think he's right, if we survive to get there. But he's also got some useful guidance on how to make the trip."
--Joel Rogers, director, Center on Wisconsin Strategy (COWS)

About the Author

Manuel Pastor is the director of the Equity Research Institute at the University of Southern California where he is also a Distinguished Professor of Sociology and American Studies and Ethnicity and the inaugural holder of the Turpanjian Chair in Civil Society and Social Change. He has co-authored five books with Chris Benner, including Equity, Growth and Community: What the Nation Can Learn From America's Metro Areas, Solidarity Economics: Why Mutuality and Movements Matter, and Charging Forward: Lithium Valley, Electric Vehicles, and a Just Future (The New Press). Pastor is also the author of State of Resistance: What California's Dizzying Descent and Remarkable Resurgence Mean for America's Future (The New Press). He lives in Los Angeles.