Unequal Democracy is the sort of book to which every political scientist should aspire--it is methodologically rigorous, conceptually serious, and above all, it addresses urgent concerns of our fellow citizens. As Bartels shows, much of what we think we know about the politics of economic inequality is dead wrong. Bartels's perplexing and often unexpected discoveries should help refocus the gathering public debate about inequality and what to do about it.

Young Americans are dropping out of religion at an alarming rate of five to six times the historic rate.

People may go to the library looking mainly for information, but they find each other there.

How well you do in life shouldn't depend on how well your parents did.

What really matters from the point of view of social capital and civic engagement is not merely nominal membership, but active and involved membership.

Most Americans watch Friends rather than having friends.

Positive people have more friends which is a key factor of happiness and longevity.