ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the evolution of cultural and political regressive norms since the end of World War II to understand the forces that led a significant fraction of the working class to support an ideology detrimental to its self-interest. It sets out the elements of a more just political economy while exploring the progressive possibilities for its emergence. The chapter also explores the nation's core belief in a simple commodity-producing vision of labor justice. It outlines the alternative vision of justice that emerged with the New Deal and dominated political economic ideology from the 1930s until the 1970s. The chapter describes the material and ideological factors that led to the resurgence of rightist politics. It also outlines the role government could play in the promotion of a more just social order. The chapter highlights the factors required for the emergence of a more enlightened politics.
