Social Inequality

I think it is important for students to learn practical skills, especially as they relate to social justice work.

This course explores the extent, causes, and consequences of social and economic inequality in the U.S. This course addresses theories of structural social inequality and the formation and change of inequalities. Social inequality refers to the unequal distribution of society’s resources. In this course, we will study three primary bases of social inequality: Gender, Race, and Class and how these intersect with other bases of social inequality. We will seek to clarify which human institutions cause the unequal distribution of valued resources and opportunities and how these institutions cause inequality. We will study inequalities and their interactions in modern society, the consequences of inequalities, and current inequality trends. In this class, you will be introduced to the science of studying yourself and others in society because we are both constructed by society and participants in constructing society. The goal of this class is to provide you with the tools and strategies to think critically about the causes and consequences of stratification in society. In doing this, we will challenge commonly held beliefs. You will be challenged to think critically and scientifically about our social world.

Sarah Prior

Associate Professor

Sociology

Michigan State University