In recent years, a powerful political force has emerged, one that speaks to the anger and frustration of millions of people who feel left behind by modern society. This force is known as the “Forgotten Class”. Those workers, communities, and individuals who globalization, technological advancements, and a shifting political landscape have economically and culturally marginalized.
As Sean Hogan explores in The Politics of Rage, the forgotten class is no longer sitting quietly in the background; they are fighting back against the system that they believe has abandoned them.
Who Are the Forgotten Class?
The forgotten class, as Hogan describes it, is not just an economic demographic. It is a social and cultural group that feels left out of the promises of prosperity that come with globalization and progress. These individuals often come from working-class backgrounds, living in small towns or post-industrial cities where traditional industries, such as manufacturing, mining, and textiles, have declined or disappeared. Over the years, many of these workers have faced stagnant wages, job losses, and rising economic insecurity. Their communities have hollowed out, with businesses closing, young people moving away, and local economies shrinking.
Hogan highlights that this group is not just economically displaced but also feels culturally displaced. As societal norms change, especially regarding immigration, multiculturalism, and technology, many people in the forgotten class feel their traditional values and way of life are under threat. This sense of cultural alienation, coupled with economic hardship, has created a perfect storm for the rise of populist movements.
The Rise of Populism
The forgotten class is not simply accepting its fate. It is fighting back. And one of the primary ways this group has pushed back is through the rise of populism. Populist leaders, like Donald Trump in the United States and Marine Le Pen in France, have tapped into the anger and frustration of these disaffected voters, offering them a voice and a platform for their grievances. By framing themselves as outsiders who will challenge the elites and return power to the people, these leaders have successfully built political movements that speak directly to the forgotten class.
Trump’s victory in 2016 is perhaps the most well-known example of this. His message resonated deeply with voters in Rust Belt states who had seen their manufacturing jobs disappear due to outsourcing and deindustrialization. They felt betrayed by both major political parties and believed that Trump, despite his elite background, would restore American greatness and put their interests first.
Similarly, Marine Le Pen’s National Rally in France capitalized on widespread dissatisfaction with the political establishment. Le Pen’s anti-immigration and nationalist rhetoric tapped into fears about cultural identity and economic decline in rural and working-class areas.
Fighting Back: The Forgotten Class Takes Action
What the forgotten class is fighting for is not just political change. It’s a return to dignity and a recognition of their struggles. Hogan’s analysis shows that populist movements offer them an outlet for their frustrations, giving them a chance to reclaim control over their lives in a world that seems increasingly indifferent to their needs.
While populist movements may offer simple solutions to complex problems, they resonate because they reflect the profound sense of injustice felt by many in the marginalized class. Their fight is one against economic and cultural dislocation, and it will shape the future of global politics.
For those seeking to understand the forces shaping the rise of populism and the plight of the forgotten class, Sean Hogan’s The Politics of Rage offers essential insights. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding how economic alienation and cultural shifts are driving today’s political upheaval.
Read this book now, available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FHBDWJD4/.
