Read

1] Chapter 1 (Hurst, 2017)

2] What is social stratification? – https://courses.lumenlearning.com/sociology/chapter/what-is-social-stratification/

Watch  

1] Social Inequality documentary – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_e7eFSkEjw

2] An Intro to Social Stratification

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEPqCe5oPRw

3] Crash course sociology: stratification: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlkIKCMt-Fs

4] Why is there social stratification: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtxtI5IGrfw

1] What is social inequality?

2] Why does a country such as the United States have a large population of its citizens in low economic conditions for a wealthy country?

3] What are the roots of social inequality in America?

4] What is social stratification and how is social stratification good or bad for a community? 

Read

1] Chapter 9 – (Hurst, 2017) 

2] Different Sources of Power: http://uregina.ca/~gingrich/318n2202.htm

3] Class, Power, Wealth: http://uregina.ca/~gingrich/318n2202.htm

Watch

Marxist theories of social inequality

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmncCYahO2Y

1] What are some classical explanations of Social Inequality?

2] Do you agree with Marxist definition? Why or why not?

3] Is the Marxist perspective still true today when we describe social inequality in the United States?

Read

1] Chapter 10 – (Hurst, 2017)

2] How does Weber defined Inequality

http://www.soc.duke.edu/~jmoody77/TheoryNotes/Weber_CSP.htm

Watch

Marx vs Weber on social inequality

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23iXgRl6bt4

1] Discuss some of the Weberian ideas on Social Inequality?

2] Compare and contrast the Marxist and Weberian 

ideologies of Social Inequality.

3] Which theorist do you agree with the most in terms of their perspective on social inequality? [Karl Marx, Max Weber or both? Why or why not?]

Read

1] Chapter 2 (Hurst, 2017)

2] Income Inequality by the US Census https://www.census.gov/topics/income-poverty/income-inequality.html

3] Income Inequality in America: https://www.thebalance.com/income-inequality-in-america-3306190

4] Bernie Sanders on Economic Inequality http://feelthebern.org/bernie-sanders-on-economic-inequality/

Watch

Income and wealth inequality

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xMCWr0O3Hs

1) According to the article by Bernie Sanders, what are some of the major problems for the United States government in terms of wealth generation and income disparity?

2) What are some of your own personal experiences regarding wealth and income disparities in your communities or others that you are familiar with? [see Census article]

3) How can we bridge the social inequality of wealth and income disparity in the United States, or in New York City for that matter?

Resource on Labor / Work Equality by the International Labor Organization (ILO) – International Labour Review (ilo.org)

Read

Chapter 2 – (Hurst 2017)

1] Income Inequality in America: causes of income inequality by Kimberly Amadeo, Sept. 12, 2018.

https://www.thebalance.com/income-inequality-in-america-3306190

2] Structural Inequality in America: https://www.thebalance.com/structural-inequality-facts-types-causes-solution-4174727

3] How is Income Inequality defined? https://www.equalitytrust.org.uk/how-economic-inequality-defined

Watch

1] Wealth Inequality in America: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dttG9aIa9RQ

2] How wealth becomes power: 

Part I: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFIxi7BiScI

Part II:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYP_wMJsgyg

1] Describe how changes in women’s labor force participation has influenced inequality between the sexes.

2] Briefly describe the difference between wealth and income, and the significance of the two concepts for understanding social inequality

3] Describe how structural changes in the economy may have raised income inequality in the United States

Adapted from: 

http://www.princeton.edu/~sociolog/ugrad/courses/fall1997/western_finalex_answers.html

Resource

New York City for Consumer Affairs – https://www.facebook.com/NYCDCA/?tn-str=k*F

Event

MAR 5

Building Bridges: A Convening for NYC Immigrant Workers

Public

 · Hosted by  New York City Department of Consumer Affairs

QUIZ

See week 5 content above

Read

1] Chapter 3 – [Hurst, 2017]

2] Article: The Welfare Boogeyman [NY Times Article] by Suzanne Mettler

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/23/opinion/trump-social-policies-welfare.html

3] The Government Citizen Disconnect: 

https://www.russellsage.org/publications/government-citizen-disconnect

4] History of Welfare: https://www.welfareinfo.org/history/

5] Welfare Reform:  https://www.welfareinfo.org/reform/

6] Trump 2020 Budget Calls for Stricter Work Requirements, Welfare Reform: https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/trump-2020-budget-calls-for-stricter-work-requirements-for-welfare-programs

Watch

1] Welfare and the politics of poverty – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9lfuqqNA_g

2] Stratification: Functionalism vs Conflict Theory – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8T2wjMAMvc

1] Summarize in 100 words the content of the NY Times article: “The Welfare Boogeyman” by Suzanne Mettler.

2] Explain the Functionalism vs Conflict theory and the view from each on Social Inequality in the United States.

3] What will happen to many low – income Americans if the government “rebrands” social programs?

4] Do you support the justification for a welfare reform or rebranding of social programs? Who will benefit, who will loose? Why or why not?

5] What are some of the misconceptions of those of social programs or “welfare”?

6]  Describe how changes in women’s labor force participation has influenced inequality between the sexes.

MIDTERM EXAM

 Read

 1] Chapter 3 – (Hurst, 2017)

Review content from week 6 and 7.

2]  The deserving poor:  The family and the US Welfare System:  

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4487675/

3] The racist roots of the welfare reform: https://newrepublic.com/article/136200/racist-roots-welfare-reform

4] The real welfare problem: 

http://prospect.org/article/real-welfare-problem

Watch

1] Noam Chomsky on Inequality and Poverty in America:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XnihgXhh3c

2] Poverty and Inequality in America under Trump: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNcZPNGKpUY

 1] What are your general perspectives on “The politics of Welfare” in America and what are your opinions on the different populations in America that are eligible for “welfare”.

2] Why or why not should “welfare” be given to certain populations and not others? That is, what determines the qualification of certain groups from assessing government assistance?

3] Should the “politics of welfare” be determined based on privilege, race, ethnicity, class, social – economic status or other factors? 

4] Should there be a reform on welfare in America? Why or why not? Who benefits, who looses?

5] Summarize the article on family and the US Welfare system.

Read

1] Chapter 5 – [Hurst, 2017]

2] Article: Our political economy is designed to create poverty and inequality by Denis Kucinich (The Nation article of March 6, 2017).

https://www.thenation.com/article/our-political-economy-is-designed-to-create-poverty-and-inequality/

Watch

1] Political Inequality:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8_2Qq3agW8

2] Race, Inequality and Polarization in America:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diudVU0QQx4

3] Politics of Inequality by Martin Gilens –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzS068SL-rQ

4] Four Horsemen – [documentary]: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fbvquHSPJU&t=1199s

5] Fall of a Republic: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VebOTc-7shU

1] From week 7 video, explain some of Noam Chomsky’s views on Inequality and poverty in America.

2] What are the main arguments / discussions in the video documentary “Four Horsemen”?

3] What are the main arguments in the video “Fall of a Republic”?

4] Summarize in 100 words the following article. Do you agree? Why or why not? Article: Our political economy is designed to create poverty and inequality by Denis Kucinich [The Nation article of March 6, 2017].

5a] In general why is voting or the election of officials to key offices very important in social inequality discussions?

5b] Do you know the names and address or contact info of your Community Boards, Elected Officials for both your Election and Assembly Districts, you City Council, Assembly man or woman, Congress man or woman and your Senators?  

Read 

1] How Much Discrimination Do Muslims Face in America? [The Atlantic] – https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/07/american-muslims-trump/534879/

2] Religious Inequality in America  – [Social Inclusion: 2018, Volume 6, Issue 2, Pages 107–126] – https://www.cogitatiopress.com/socialinclusion/article/view/1447/1447

3] Religion and Inequality [NY Times – June 13, 2013]: https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/14/opinion/brooks-religion-and-inequality.html

Watch

1] Freedom of Religion in America: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8dI1GTWCk4

2] The Wall, The Supreme Courts, Religion in Public Schools: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=ntEQfooBxTk

3] Religion and Spirituality in the Workplace: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPVu-EJA9os

4] Religious inequality in America [Muslims in America]:  

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/07/american-muslims-trump/534879/

1] List some ways that you see religion having social control in the everyday world.

2] What are some sacred items that you are familiar with? Are there some objects, such as cups, candles, or clothing, that would be considered profane in normal settings but are considered sacred in special circumstances or when used in specific ways?

3] Consider a religion that you are familiar with, and discuss some of its beliefs, behaviors, and norms. Discuss how these meet social needs. Then, research a religion that you do not know much about. Explain how its beliefs, behaviors, and norms are like/unlike the other religion.

4] Do you believe the United States is becoming more secularized or more fundamentalist?

5] Comparing your generation to that of your parents or grandparents, what differences do you see in the relationship between religion and society?

6] What would popular media have you believe is the state of religion in the United States today. Why / how did you come to this conclusion.

7] In U.S. society, do you believe there is social stratification that correlates with religious beliefs? What about within the practitioners of a given religion? Provide examples to illustrate your point.

8] Consider the different types of religious organizations in the United States. What role did ecclesia play in the history of the United States? How have sects tended to change over time? What role do cults have today?

9] What is your understanding of monotheism versus polytheism? How might your ideology be an obstacle to understanding the theism of another religion you are unfamiliar with?

10] Do you believe that some of the religious mores based on biblical context should still be maintained in terms of religious inequalities amongst people? Would these violate freedom of religion / expression according to the Constitution? Why or why not?.

RESEARCH / RESPONSE PAPER

Read

Part I.

Chapter 6 and 7- [Hurst, 2017]

2] Article: Sex Discrimination or Gender Inequality? By Leslie Bender

https://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2835&context=flr

Watch

1] Film: Gender equality: the smart thing to do

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdOcjKsUqOI

2] Why Gender Equality is good for everyone including men

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7n9IOH0NvyY

Other info

1] International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women: UN Women program on Monday November 19, 2018: https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/11/1026071

2] Why we must eliminate violence against women: http://www.un.org/en/events/endviolenceday/

3] 16 Days of Activism: 

http://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/take-action/16-days-of-activism

4] Case example on Gender Equality: Power and Politics in Rwanda – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J2_WyYH6UI

Watch

1] Film: Understanding Gender Identities and Sexual Orientation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIDKLt0cj-c

1] What is the difference between sex discrimination and gender inequality?

2] Why is Gender equality good for everyone including men?

3] Why is gender equality the smart thing to do according to some of the authors in the videos?

Group Discussion /  Reflection

Write a one page summary [250 words or more] on your views of gender identities, sexual orientation and inequality in the United States. Share your response with your group and compare and contrast notes. Share group discussion with class.

Resources

1] Comprehensive List of LGBTQ Vocabulary / Definitions https://www.itspronouncedmetrosexual.com/2013/01/a-comprehensive-list-of-lgbtq-term-definitions/

2] LGBTQI+ Resource Room: Roscoe Brown Student Center Room 301

Read

1] The Growing Achievement Gap [US News and World Report]: 

https://www.usnews.com/news/education-news/articles/2018-05-28/income-inequality-exacerbates-the-achievement-gap

2] Education and Inequality between the Rich and the Poor (Hastac.org):

 https://www.hastac.org/blogs/rodneyrosario/2015/05/05/education-and-inequality-between-rich-and-poor

3] Mend the Gap between the Rich and the Poor in Achievement (Psychology Today): 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freedom-learn/201709/mend-the-gap-between-rich-and-poor-in-school-achievement

4] Education Gap Between the Rich and The Poor is Growing Wider [NY Times]: 

https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/23/business/economy/education-gap-between-rich-and-poor-is-growing-wider.html

5]  The Real College Scandal: We Skimp on the Students Who Need Most Help – https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/25/opinion/college-scandal.html?fbclid=IwAR3P5JdiVZiDoxINfdodQ09Mp6BXeZdHRGMnB7bBkjswyraNJiHPCiCzrnY

6]  NYS Allocates  $7.6 Billion to Higher Ed – http://yorkpbnews.net/campus/new-york-state-budget-allocates-7-6-billion-to-higher-education/?fbclid=IwAR1hoJP4kS2Qtlng5nspAV0FMUcfr0b-3PjFmlMOGy5IdbMh9gUZCROMoDc

Watch

1] Education Gap: The Root of Inequality: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lsDJnlJqoY

2] An Education in Inequality (NYTimes Op doc): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XgaAZGyy04

3] Black Colleges in the Age of Trump (NYTimes Op doc): 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSdhCPivico

4] I’m White in A Historically Black College: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mk9ATUGdWDY

5] Documentary on Historical Black College:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BH_PdV-Tz4M

This week, each student will share their personal education inequalities perspectives in class. We will have a guest speaker from NYPIRG Education. After the presentation, each student will post a short summary to the discussion thread.

Read

Articles

1] America is a Leader in Health Inequality by Caroline Y. Johnson. Economy Policy [June 5, 2017]:  https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2017/06/05/america-is-a-world-leader-in-health-inequality/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.b1ed207a7e1e

2] Health Care Inequality in America by Kimberly Amadeo, Feb. 12, 2009:   

https://www.thebalance.com/health-care-inequality-facts-types-effect-solution-4174842

3] Inequality and Health: 

 https://inequality.org/facts/inequality-and-health/

4]  Income, Poverty and Health Inequality by Dave A. Chokshi, April 3, 2018:  

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2677433

5] Health Inequalities in America by David N. Bash.

Am Health Drug Benefits. 2017 Sep; 10(6): 279–280.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5620509/

Watch

1] The Michelle Story: Minority Health Disparities  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlVZKZNXYBA 

2] Addressing Health Disparities:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlVZKZNXYBA&t=107s

3] Dr. Ben Carson Health Disparities and Health Care Reform:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBhd10i4nNk

4] What is Health Equity and Why Does It Matter?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwBEkGurMiY

5] A Recipe for Health Equity in The 21st Century by Renaisa Anthony – TedX Omaha: 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywQJGnzQKGs

6] Tracking Ethnic Health Disparity by Lisa Cooper – TedX Baltimore:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBNWaQM2JrE

7] New York City Addresses Health Disparities:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PXs6d-eDvc

8] How NYC Health and Hospitals Tackles Healthcare Disparities and the Uninsured by AHA Health Forum:  

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3pM5yiEt_4

9]  The Underlying Racism of Americas Food System – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0XG-ETx5fk

This week, we will have small group discussion by summarizing each of the articles on health inequalities. Each group will select an article and then report back to the class on the group’s discussion.

Read

Part I.

Chapter 15 – [Hurst, 2017]

2] Article: Poverty, Inequality, and Class In The Structural Constitutional Law Course by Stephen Loffredo [May 2007]: https://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/ulj/vol34/iss4/3/

Watch

1] The Open Mind: Automating Inequality by Virginia Eubanks: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avxm7JYjk8M

2] Fall of a Republic: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VebOTc-7shU

Part II.

Read

1]  Justice for Inequality in America

Chapter 15 – [Hurst, 2017]

2] Justice, Inequality and the poor by Ryan Messmore [Winter, 2012]

Published in National Affairs, [36], Summer 2018: https://www.nationalaffairs.com/publications/detail/justice-inequality-and-the-poor

3] Sustainable Development Goals: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/

Watch

Inequality and the future of American Democracy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uo860zzfv8s

Write a 250 word or a one – page summary of the main arguments of the article above and emphasize how poverty, inequality and class are part of the structural or systematic way in which the foundations of this nation was built upon. What do you think needs to change and how can we alleviate poverty, inequality and class (if at all possible)?

Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs]

Read: https://sdgs.un.org/goals

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAIolKgDPrA&t=5s

1] What are they? 2] Why are they needed? 3] Can they help improve Social Inequality in America? 4] Around the world? 5] Why or why not?

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): group discussion. Read the posted articles for week 14 ahead of class. We will have group discussions on the SDGs. Each group will select an SDG relevant to the focus of each week and discuss them.

FINAL EXAM REVIEW / FINAL EXAM