Sociology of Discrimination

In recent decades, open expressions of prejudice and discrimination have become less socially acceptable. Inequalities along lines of race, class, and gender, however, persist. We will examine the social scientific literature on discrimination in its interpersonal and structural forms. We will also discuss what is not discrimination given that this term is often used (incorrectly) synonymously with disparities to refer to inequalities that originate through other processes. We will investigate causes, definitions, measurement, effects, and possible policy responses to discrimination. This course will draw on both qualitative and quantitative approaches to the study of discrimination.