"Basing himself extended ethnography, historical research, and Gramscian theory, Ruy Braga offers a brilliant diagnosis of the rise and fall of Brazil’s Workers’ Party, and of the fragility of the hegemony that held Brazil together for nearly 15 years. Necessary reading for anyone who wishes to understand the impasse of the present crisis."
– Michael Burawoy, Professor, University of California, Berkeley

"Ruy Braga's new book is eminently radical, critical and subversive, inspired by an unyielding commitment to the cause of the 'precariat', its self-activity and its struggle for emancipation. This book proposes an innovative reading of the social history of Brazil from Fordist populism to the current political crisis."
– Michael Löwy, Emeritus Research Director in social sciences at the CNRS

"Weaving together theoretical debate, historical analysis and ethnographic observation, Braga offers a brilliant portrayal of the contemporary Brazilian working class and creates a vibrant debate with European theorists of precarity."
– Peter Evans, Professor Emeritus, University of California, Berkeley