Social Inequality: Forms, Causes, and Consequences

This study covers a range of forms of inequality: economic, political, racial and sexual. It uses a variety of perspectives and a comparative approach to cover the causes/explanations, the magnitude of inequality, and the consequences (including policy and movements) for each form of inequality. Separate chapters on race and gender emphasize the importance of each while joining the data and theory to illustrate and explain the conditions of women and racial/ethnic minorities. Examples are included in order to help students understand what it feels like to be in different socioeconomic positions. Topics include the anticipated health-care policy, the 1992 Los Angeles riots, affirmative action and welfare reform.