The Intersection of Inequality : A Cultural Diversity Reader

The Intersection of Inequality: A Cultural Diversity Reader examines social inequality through specific examples that illustrate how inequality functions overall and how this could be changed. The material provides historical context on the development of inequality and emphasizes the ways people perpetuate inequality in contemporary society. 

The reader is organized into four sections. The first identifies and defines major forms of inequality and shows how they result from people's decisions. The second section examines the distinction between prejudice and discrimination. In the third section readers consider the various domains in which inequality operates and learn how forms and types of inequality are implicit in social institutions. The fourth section examines the transformation of inequality and provides insight into how society can work toward equality for the future. Each section features an introduction that establishes context for the material and highlights key ideas from the readings. 

Designed to reflect a contemporary and nuanced understanding of inequality, particularly as it pertains to sexual orientation, The Intersection of Inequality is suitable for undergraduate courses in social inequality, sociology, and cultural diversity.

Heather L. Shay earned her Ph.D. in sociology at North Carolina State University. Dr. Shay is an assistant professor at Lake Superior State University where she teaches courses in introductory sociology, social psychology, cultural diversity, and sociological theory. Her research interests include social inequality and social psychology, particularly symbolic interactionism and identity work. Her forthcoming article, “Virtual Edgework: Negotiating Risk in Role-Playing Gaming,” will be featured in the Journal of Contemporary Ethnography.