Conclusion -- Conclusion: The Space Between Power and Powerlessness. Poverty and the Myth of Meritocracy ; Racial and Economic Inequality Through the Lens of Political Science ; Defining Inequality ; Hegemony and Intersectionality ; The Politics of Inequality ; Structure of the Book -- Representation and the Roots of Inequality. Defining (In)Equality ; Democracy's Promise: America's Founding Principles ; Representation: Elected Officials ; Representation: The Courts ; The American Anomaly ; Alternatives to Our Current System ; American Pluralism ; Conclusion -- Income and Wealth. Income ; Wealth ; Representing the Poor ; Conclusion -- Housing. The Roots of Disadvantage ; Opportunities for Home Ownership ; Racial Inequality and Housing ; Poverty and Housing in Rural America ; Conclusion -- Education. The Roots of Inequality in Education ; Inequality in Funding ; Inequality in Outcomes ; Conclusion -- Crime and Criminal Justice. Due Process v. Crime Control Models ; Police Brutality and Black Lives Matter ; Criminal Justice and the Perpetuation of Inequality ; Conclusion -- Immigration and Employment. Discrimination in Hiring ; Education and Training Opportunities ; Immigrants and Employment ; Conclusion -- Health ; Access to Health Care ; Disparities in Health Care Access ; Disparities in Nutrition and Access to Healthy Foods ; Conclusion -- Gender. We Just Don't Get It ; Getting Our Language Straight ; Gender Inequality and Poverty ; Gender and Housing Access ; Gender Inequality and Education ; Gender and Criminal Justice ; Gender, Reproductive Rights, and Health ; Women in Office ; Conclusion -- Affirmative Action. History of Affirmative Action in America ; From Davis to Ann Arbor to Austin ; Affirmative Action Beyond the Classroom ; Affirmative Action Ballot Initiatives and Referendums ; Conclusion -- Conclusion: The Space Between Power and Powerlessness.
Summary:
"Why does inequality have such a hold on American society and public policy? And what can we, as citizens, do about it? Inequality in America takes an in-depth look at race, class and gender-based inequality, across a wide range of issues from housing and education to crime, employment and health. Caliendo explores how individual attitudes can affect public opinion and lawmakers' policy solutions. He also illustrates how these policies result in systemic barriers to advancement that often then contribute to individual perceptions. This cycle of disadvantage and advantage can be difficult-though not impossible-to break. "Representing" and "What Can I Do?" feature boxes throughout the book highlight key public figures who have worked to combat inequality and encourage students to take action to do the same. The second edition has been thoroughly revised to include the most current data and to cover recent issues and events like the 2016 elections and the Black Lives Matter movement. It now also includes a brand-new chapter on crime and criminal justice and an expanded discussion of immigration. Concise and accessible, Inequality in America paves the way for students to think critically about the attitudes, behaviors and structures of inequality"-- Provided by publisher. "Comprehensive and accessible overview of race, class, and gender-based inequality in America through a primarily political science and policy lens"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.