"Introduces students to the sociology of class structure and inequalities as it asks whether the American dream has faded. The fourth edtion of this powerful book demonstrates how and why class inequalities in the United States have widened, hardened, and become more entrenched than ever. The fourth edition has been extensively revised and reorganized throughout, including a new introductin that offers an overview of key themes and shorter chapters that cover a wider range of topics. New material includes a discussion of the "The Great Recession" and its ongoing impact, the demise of the middle class, rising college costs and increasing student debt, the role of electronic media in shaping people's perceptions of class, and more."--