Social Inequality in a Global Age

by Scott R. Sernau

Overview

Social Inequality in a Global Age examines systems of inequality in the U.S. based on race, class, gender and sexuality, as well as the dynamics of power and privilege. While the focus is on U.S., the the book discusses the interplay of systems of inequality in the U.S, and the changing global economy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781544309316
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	10/04/2019
Edition description:	Sixth Edition
Pages:	424
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Scott Sernau is professor of sociology and director of International Programs at Indiana University, South Bend, where he regularly teaches social inequality, international inequalities, sustainability and urban society. He has received multiple campus and university awards for distinguished teaching and distinguished service to teaching and learning. He is editor of Contemporary Readings in Globalization (SAGE) and his previous books include: Economies of Exclusion (Praeger), Critical Choices (Oxford), Bound: Living in the Globalized World (Stylus), and Global Problems: The Search for Equity, Peace and Sustainability (Pearson).

Table of Contents

Part I Roots of Inequality
Chapter 1 The Gordian Knot of Race, Class, and Gender
Dimensions of an Unequal World
Intersections of Race, Class, and Gender in the United States
The Development of Inequality: Race, Class, and Gender Across Societies
A Social Network Understanding of Inequality
Key Points
For Review and Discussion
Making Connections
Chapter 2 The Great Debate
The Historical Debate
The Sociological Debate
Max Weber and Life Chances
Reframing the Debate
Key Points
For Review and Discussion
Making Connections
Chapter 3 The Global Divide: Inequality Across Societies
Worlds Coming Apart and Coming Together
The Double Divide
The Gap Within Nations
The Global Debate
Globalization: The Ties That Bind
Immigration: Seeking to Cross the Divide
The Market Paradox
Key Points
For Review and Discussion
Making Connections
Making a Difference
Part II Dimensions of Inequality
Chapter 4 Class Privilege
Wealth and Property
Occupation
Income
Class Structure
Growing Inequality
Death and Taxes: Redirecting Wealth and Income
Key Points
For Review and Discussion
Making Connections
Chapter 5 Racial and Ethnic Inequality
A Debt Unpaid: Internal Colonialism
Middleman Minorities and Ethnic Solidarity
The Analytic Debate: Cultures and Structures of Poverty
Colorful Language
The Color of Justice
Key Points
For Review and Discussion
Making Connections
Making a Difference
Chapter 6 Gender and Sexual Inequality
When Men Were Men
From Glass Slippers to Glass Ceilings
Work and Family: The Double Burden and the Second Shift
Gender and Class Around the World
Changing Norms on Gender and Sexuality
Key Points
For Review and Discussion
Making Connections
Making a Difference
LGBTQ+ Rights
Chapter 7 Status Prestige
The Quest for Honor
Socialization: Acquiring Marks of Distinction
Association: Whom You Know
Lifestyles of the Rich and the Destitute
Tastes in Transition
Key Points
For Review and Discussion
Making Connections
Chapter 8 Power and Politics
People Power and Powerful People
Who Rules? The Power Elite Debate
Changing the Rules: Campaign Finance Reform
Global Power: Who Really Rules?
Key Points
For Review and Discussion
Making Connections
Making a Difference
Part III Challenges of Inequality
Chapter 9 Moving Up: Education and Mobility
Getting Ahead
Education: Opening Doors, Opening Minds
Ladders With Broken Rungs
Key Points
For Review and Discussion
Making Connections
Educational Systems
Making a Difference
Chapter 10 Abandoned Spaces, Forgotten Places: Poverty and Place
Urban Poverty: Abandoned Spaces
The Making and Unmaking of the Postindustrial City
Brain-Gain and Brain-Drain Cities
Suburban Poverty: The Urban Fringe
Rural Poverty: Forgotten Places
Poverty in the Global Ghetto
Key Points
For Review and Discussion
Making Connections
Making a Difference
Chapter 11 Reversing the Race to the Bottom: Poverty and Policy
From Welfare to Work
The Challenge of the Margins: Antipoverty Programs
Health Care Reform
Extreme Poverty: Homelessness and Hunger
Poverty Programs Among Advanced Industrial Nations
The Private World of Poverty
Key Points
For Review and Discussion
Making Connections
Making a Difference
Chapter 12 Challenging the System: Social Movements in a Global Age
The Enduring Struggle: The Labor Movement
Gender and Power: The Women’s Movement
Respect and Rights: Gender Identity, Sexuality, and Equal Access
Race and Power: The Civil Rights Movement
The Happiest Places on Earth
One World After All
Key Points
For Review and Discussion
Making Connections
Making a Difference

Editorial Reviews

It is concisely written, provides both historical discussion and adequate grounding in theory, and is quite a compelling read.”

Marta Henriksen

This is an ambitious book on a difficult topic. The author does a very good job on most topics.

Michael Grimes

The book offers a solid introduction to sociology while also providing a global perspective.”

Tori Barnes-Brus

The clarity of writing and organization of the book are the work's greatest strengths.”

Stayce Blount