Race and Inequality in the United States

Glenn Loury

ECON 1370
Spring 2019

We examine racial inequality in the United States, focusing on economic, political, social and historical aspects. Black/white relations in the US are the principle but not exclusive concern. Prerequisite: ECON 1110 or 1130.

Among the issues to be examined are: 1) structural/historical origins of persistent racial inequality; 2) race stereotypes, stigma, segregation, identity, discrimination; 3) paying reparations for past wrongs to achieve “racial justice”; 4) using affirmative action in pursuit of greater racial inclusion; 5) and, race-related aspects of crime, punishment and policing.

Would paying reparations for past wrongs achieve “racial justice”?

Syllabus

Component Location