Judith N. Shklar was, before her death, John Cowles Professor of Government, Harvard University, and a MacArthur
Fellow. She was also the author of Ordinary Vices (Harvard).
Summary
In this illuminating look at what constitutes American citizenship, Judith Shklar identifies the right
to vote and the right to work as the defining social rights and primary sources of public respect. She demonstrates
that in recent years, although all profess their devotion to the work ethic, earning remains unavailable to many
who feel and are consequently treated as less than full citizens.
"Shklar has produced a compelling argument that the right to vote and the right to a job, neither of which
was written into the constitution, are nevertheless necessary for full and equal American citizenship."
-- Washington Monthly
"As always, one learns from reading Shklar...The book provides an excellent interpretation of what American
citizenship has meant historically."