This book investigates the under-examined role of social class in the field of applied linguistics. It argues that contemporary socioeconomic inequality, exacerbated by global neoliberal policies, necessitates a re-evaluation of how identity is understood. The author, David Block, a recognized scholar in applied linguistics, grounds this argument in a thorough theoretical exploration of social class, subsequently applying this framework to critical areas within the discipline.

The book's focus on the intersection of social class and applied linguistics, particularly within the context of increasing global socioeconomic inequality, positions it as a significant contribution to the field. By challenging the general neglect of political economy and social class in language and identity studies, it aims to provoke new theoretical directions. The work is likely to appeal to academics and researchers in applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, and related fields interested in the social dimensions of language.