SOC 221
Inequality: Class, Race, and Gender (II, SA) npdf

Professor: Bruce Western

Description/Objectives: Although the themes of prosperity and opportunity dominate American culture, the U.S. has higher inequality than any other industrialized democracy. What's more, the gap between rich and poor grew enormously from 1980. This course examines inequality in contemporary America and studies how it is patterned by class, race, and gender. The American experience is also viewed in comparative perspective, to see how Western Europe has minimized the scourges of falling wages, poverty, and homelessness.

Sample Reading List:

• C. Fischer, 'Inequality By Design'
  
• C. Jencks, 'The Homeless'
  
• W.J. Wilson, 'The Truly Disadvantaged'
  
• R. Freeman, 'Working Under Different Rules'
  

Requirements/Grading:

• Final Exam
  
• Class/Precepts Participation
  
• Paper(s)

Schedule:

• Lecture 1.0: 10:00-10:50 MW
  
• Precept 1.0:To be arranged.