Bungacast /519/ Reading Club: White Collar & Post-Mass Culture ft. Dustin Guastella
Nov 10, 2025
Dustin Guastella, a research assistant at the Center for Working Class Politics and director for Teamsters Local 623, delves into C. Wright Mills' 'White Collar.' He explores the evolution of the middle class and its political malaise, questioning the relevance of Mills' insights today. The conversation covers the rise of bureaucratic management, the distinctions of cultural classes in a leveling society, and the state of white-collar unionism. Guastella argues that despite historical similarities, modern white-collar unions are increasingly political, raising questions about the future of the middle class.
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Equality And Excellence Must Coexist
- Dustin Guastella argues equality and excellence must coexist for a flourishing society.
- He criticizes contemporary cultural leveling as producing widespread cultural decline.
Guest Background And Union Role
- Dustin Guastella introduces himself as a research assistant at the Center for Working Class Politics and local Teamsters official.
- He mentions he writes articles that the hosts like, which led to his invitation on the show.
Middle Classes As Politically Central
- George frames the Reading Club's focus on the middle classes and key prior readings.
- He highlights class importance and the 'classless class' idea about middle-class conservatism.
