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57 pages 1 hour read

Ain't No Makin It

Nonfiction | Reference/Text Book | Adult | Published in 1987

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Book Brief

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Jay Macleod

Ain't No Makin It

Nonfiction | Reference/Text Book | Adult | Published in 1987
Book Details
Pages

344

Format

Reference/Text Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Massachusetts • 1970s

Publication Year

1987

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Ain’t No Makin’ It by Jay MacLeod examines the lives of two groups—Hallway Hangers and Brothers—in the Clarendon Heights public housing project, exploring how race, class, and education shape their aspirations and chances for upward mobility. There are discussions of poverty, racial discrimination, substance use, and systemic inequality.

Informative

Challenging

Melancholic

Contemplative

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.3

1,166 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Jay MacLeod's Ain't No Makin' It is praised for its in-depth ethnographic study and its illumination of class and socio-economic mobility barriers. Critics value its insightful examination of how social structures impact aspirations. Some note that it may feel overly analytical or dense. Overall, it’s seen as a significant contribution to understanding inequality.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Ain't No Makin It?

Readers passionate about sociology, education, and social inequality will find Jay MacLeod’s Ain't No Makin' It compelling. Similar to Jonathan Kozol's Savage Inequalities and Paul Willis' Learning to Labor, it delves into the impact of class and race on aspirations and opportunities, offering rich ethnographic insights.

4.3

1,166 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Jay MacLeod

A sociologist and author who explores the lives of teenagers in a public housing project, providing a narrative on the intersections of race, class, and social mobility through his ethnographic work.

A character whose journey from skepticism about education to becoming a medical technician exemplifies resilience and the ongoing challenges faced in maintaining socioeconomic achievements.

A group of teenagers characterized by their defiance and skepticism towards societal structures, often engaging in survival strategies within their challenging socioeconomic environment.

A group of teenagers who embody resilience and an optimistic pursuit of upward mobility through education and community involvement, often contrasting with the Hallway Hangers.

A dominant figure among the Hallway Hangers whose leadership and outlook are shaped by his ties to his family's background and the pervasive challenges in his community.

A character whose involvement in criminal activities and untimely death highlight the severe consequences of systemic neglect within marginalized communities.

A member of the Brothers whose experiences in the secondary labor market underscore the challenges of achieving stable employment in a stratified economy.

A character whose belief in education and pursuit of stable employment are supported by his family, demonstrating the role of supportive relationships in overcoming adversity.

Book Details
Pages

344

Format

Reference/Text Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Massachusetts • 1970s

Publication Year

1987

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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