This course examines the causes of different forms of social inequalities. Why are children of disadvantaged families less likely to make it to the top? Why are individuals with migration background more likely to be unemployed? Why do women get paid less than men? Why does life expectancy vary by gender, class, and education? We will seek to find answers to these and related questions by discussing different theoretical explanations and assess their explanatory power with empirical studies. The class is structured along different stages of the life course and pays special attention to the significance of social class, ethnicity/migration background, and gender. The class will typically combine short lectures by the instructor with various class activities and discussions. At the end of the semester, students will come to recognize the structural forces of inequality in family resources, neighborhoods, schools, organizations, and public policies, and how those forces contribute to unequal opportunities, experiences, and achievement and health.
- Kursleiter*in: Prof. Dr. Magdalena Hipp