Social Inequality

Why do some members of society possess a greater share of societal rewards (income, power, prestige) and access to resources (employment, education, healthcare) while others have very little? The study of social inequality is arguably the most fundamental area of sociological investigation. This area is concerned with how various forms of social, economic, and political organization influence the distribution of valued resources among members of society. It also seeks to identify the social forces that reproduce gender, race, and class stratification or serve as catalysts of change. Excellence in social inequality research continues to be a hallmark of Purdue Sociology.

The Social Inequality area aims to provide students with a broad overview of the field, its development, and current debates, and prepare students to become outstanding researchers and teachers.

Scholars in the area are currently exploring a broad array of topics, both international and domestic, drawing from macro and micro theories, and employing a variety of research methods.

Some current projects include:

  • Race and gender workplace integration since the Civil Rights Act of 1964
  • Women's employment and political participation in the Middle East and North Africa
  • Changing race and gender income/earnings gaps in the U.S., 1960-2000
  • Educational inequalities among children of immigrants
  • The influence of non-standard employment shifts on work-family conflict
  • Gender and factors associated with paid employment vs. volunteer work
  • The effects of race and gender discrimination on mental health and well-being
  • Ethnic enclave comunities and immigrant assimilation
  • Gender and motivation to retire and work after retirement
If you have trouble accessing this page because of a disability, please contact claweb@purdue.edu.