Check out this piece by the Atlantic about manufacturing in the United States, how it has changed, and what it means for unskilled labor and jobs. It tells the story of a couple of workers from a particular plant, but covers many of the big picture issues that are so important right now.
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/01/making-it-in-america/8844/?single_page=true
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/01/making-it-in-america/8844/?single_page=true
