The modern concept of the wealth of nations emerged by the early twentieth century. Capital embodied in people human capital mattered. The United States led all nations in mass postelementary education during the human-capital century.' The American system of education was shaped by New World...

introduction: Education and social inequality -- Nineteenth-century networks -- Uplifting the "unskilled" -- Craft power in the industrial workplace -- Becoming pink collar -- Professional ladders -- Placement in corporate America -- Conclusion: Education, inequality, and worker power.