This analysis of American citizenship identifies the right to vote and the right to work as primary sources of public respect. It argues that although all profess their devotion to the work ethic, earning remains unavailable to many who feel, and are consequently viewed as, less than full citizens.

In this look at what constitutes American citizenship, Judith Shklar identifies the right to vote and the right to work as the defining social rights and primary source of public respect. She demonstrates that in recent years, although all profess their devotion to the work ethic, earning remains unavailable to many who feel and are consequently treated as less than full citizens.