This survey course studies recent trends in occupational stratification; social classes in local communities and the nation as related to interest organizations.

This course will examine the patterns and processes of social inequalities which exist in the United States today from a sociological perspective. While the focus will be primarily on the contemporary American experience, some consideration will be given as to how social inequalities have played out in other times and places. The course begins by describing the extent and prevalence of current social inequalities in American society, with a focus on class, race and gender differences. We will next turn our attention to different conceptual frameworks and theoretical explanations of inequality, beginning with the work of classical sociologists around systems of stratification before turning to more contemporary iterations of theory which look at the constructions of race and gender, and how they intersect with social class. The questions that animate this section include how differences are socially constructed and arranged hierarchically so that members of diverse social groups may be privileged or disadvantaged in the game of life. How do the intersection of one’s race, gender, and class background shape their life opportunities and outcomes across different social domains? Given that we are never only one identity or positioned one way in society, we will examine how cross cutting identities play out in different ways to allow some people to secure resources, while others are denied. After the midterm we will examine how different economic, political, and cultural institutions, such as the family, school, residence, and work, serve to perpetuate and reproduce inequalities by maintaining a web of advantage or disadvantage for the individuals caught up within them. At the end of the semester, we will give some consideration about the relationship of current political systems to contemporary inequalities and the struggles they generate in the United States and across the globe.

Credit Restrictions

Students will receive no credit for 130 after taking 130AC; students cannot take 130 to remove a deficient grade in 130AC.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills