From Perspectives in Politics

"In debates between liberal egalitarians and libertarians, realism and idealism, and "capitalism" and "socialism," we have lost sight of just work in contporary political theorizing. In this respect, the problem lies with us as political philosophers. Preiss elegantly demonstrates that the reigning conceptual frameworks of justice do not capture the consensus that already exists around how to alleviate the vicissitudes of our winner-take-all economy...

Preiss's study begins and ends with specific policy propositions that would be able to generate enough support if they were articulated within the paradigm of just work. Yet these proposals do not capture its main contribution: the American Dream as a theory of justice, a theory that captures shared public intuitions without compromising philosophical rigor."

From Organization

"What is remarkable about Preiss's Just Work is its breadth of vision and program. He details a broad practical agenda and also engages in careful dialogue with John Rawls, Gerald A. Cohen, and others. His argument unfolds and illuminates. Preiss marshals sociological and economic evidence to assess philosophical claims and does so with a sense of humor throughout."

Preiss argues convincingly for putting the principle of “just work” at the forefront of our policy debates. The increasing disconnect between America’s public narrative about the kind of society we are – our guiding moral and political philosophy – and the winner-take-all reality, he shows, makes this an urgent priority. This is an excellent book that weaves philosophy, economics, and politics together masterfully.

            Dani Rodrik Ford Foundation Professor of International Political

             Economy Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University

This book presents a clear vision of what it takes to revive the American Dream in times of a pandemic, highlighting the fissures that tear at the social fabric today. Preiss’s insightful analysis shows why regular and dedicated work no longer guarantee access to a decent life, and lays out a path for reform. Just Work for All is not a utopia, but offers a feasible alternative given real people’s convictions and motivations. A necessary and important read not only in the American context, but for any advocate of social justice today.

            Peter Dietsch Professor of Philosophy

             Université de Montréal

In times of the Covid pandemic, this book, which puts the question about work center stage, couldn’t be timelier.

            Lisa Herzog Professor of Philosophy

             University of Groningen

This book offers a deeply thoughtful analysis of one of the most significant societal challenges of the 21st century -- how to lean against the forces of the winner-takes-all economy and ensure that our gains in prosperity are shared more widely across society. Josh Preiss offers specific and actionable proposals to create a more just, equal, and inclusive post-Covid world. 

            Anton Korinek Professor of Economics

             University of Virginia

The American Dream of broad-based prosperity is undercut by a winner takes all (WTA) economy where rent replaces reward and concentration trumps opportunity. Joshua Preiss shows us how focusing on access to the game is insufficient when the rewards for playing it are so skewed. Instead, we must focus on making work ‘just’ - which means being brave enough to tackle the causes of structural inequality and making the work of many pay enough to sustain a middle-class life in a WTA world. 

            Mark Blyth The William R. Rhodes ’57 Professor of International     

             Economics, Brown University

For those of you hungering to break free of the narrow disciplinary debates over the past and future of American inequality, this book fits the bill like no other. It mixes essential ingredients from philosophy, economics, politics, history, and sociology, and it seamlessly weaves together an analysis of multiple dimensions of inequality. The book is clear and accessible, and, most importantly, offers an innovative, and, in my view, accurate and insightful understanding of how we arrived at this unfortunate juncture in history, and how, realistically, to escape it. 

            Leslie McCall Presidential Professor of Sociology and Political Science

             City University of New York Graduate Center

An exemplary public philosopher, Joshua Preiss dares to imagine a more just future amidst pandemic and economic collapse. At the core of his vision is just work centered on human dignity and responsibility. Fluently combining careful normative theory, economic history, the latest political philosophy, the history of ideas, and civic religion, he shows that an economy that delivers just work and a humane society is within reach. This is an invitation to renew the American Dream. 

            Eric Schliesser Professor of Political Science

             University of Amsterdam

A Free Republic Depends Upon Worker Power

In The American Conservative

Why Friedman's Free Market Needs Basic Income

Institute for Arts and Ideas (IAI) News

Status Matters

On restoring an American Philosophy that Puts the Dignity of Workers and the Health of their Communities at the Center of Economic Policy.

In The American Conservative

Just Work For All

All Things Co-op Podcast from Democracy@Work

Just Work for All

with Mark Blyth

Rhodes Center for International Economics & Finance Podcast

Joshua Preiss

Professor of Philosophy

Director of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)

Minnesota State University, Mankato