Why people recommend it
When Affirmative Action Was White by Ira Katznelson is an influential historical analysis examining how mid-twentieth-century public policies distributed government benefits in ways that systematically favored white Americans while excluding Black citizens. Derek Hamilton discussed and recommended the book on The Ezra Klein Show during the June 23, 2023 episode titled Why This Economist Wants to Give Every Poor Child $50,000. Derek Hamilton described the work as foundational to his understanding of what government can accomplish in promoting a great society, pointing out that Ira Katznelson's phenomenal book clearly lays out the historical mechanics of racial exclusion in public policy. By bringing up the text during the interview, the speaker emphasized the critical importance of recognizing these past structural inequalities when designing modern economic policies and addressing contemporary disparities. The discussion served to underscore how historical literature remains vital for framing current debates surrounding economic justice, wealth gaps, and the ongoing role of the state in American society.
Who recommended it
- Derek Hamilton Recommended
Derek Hamilton — 2 mentions
“Ira Katz Nelson has a phenomenal book called when affirmative action was white which really lays this out”
“well you heard me talk about when affirmative action was white by our catch Nelson I mean that is foundational for me”