Conference Explores Impact of Class

A conference this week will explore how class affects us socially and economically. Understanding that may be more important now than at any other time since the 1930s, says Nick Coles, who's co-chairing the Working Class Studies Association conference. Coles says the increasing wage gap, decreasing unionization and the recession all point to class divisions.

This is the first time Pittsburgh will have hosted the conference. Coles says it's a good fit because of the city's deep industrial and labor history, and its ongoing transformation to a greener economy. The White House cited similar reasons for scheduling the next G-20 summit in Pittsburgh. Coles says he was pleased to hear Pittsburgh was getting that kind of recognition... and he believes the G-20 summit will come up during the conference.

In addition to speakers and panel discussions, the conference will include music and poetry readings. Conference participants will also tour historical sites in the Pittsburgh area, including the Pump House in Homestead, and the Carnegie Library in Braddock. You can more information and a schedule here.