Social Inequality: Change and Continuity in the U.S.

Although we like to believe the U.S. is the land of opportunity, it has lower equality of opportunity than most developed countries. What does inequality of opportunity in the U.S. look like and how has it changed or remained stable over the last several decades? We will examine theories, characteristics, and trends of socioeconomic inequality in the U.S., focusing on how this inequality shapes children’s life chances. In the process, this course will help us think about what an ideal level of equality of opportunity might look like and social changes that could help us achieve it.