Social inequality: class and caste in America

Both the methodology and the conceptualization prevalent in the
study of social stratification leave much to be desired. Many issues
are considered "dead" which should be exhumed; many other
issues are still alive" which should be decently buried. In addi-
tion, while there is a profusion of books of "readings," there is
a paucity of interpretive studies and unquestionably a lack of
textbooks.
This book is addressed primarily to undergraduate students
in sociology, although it is certainly suitable for graduate students,
and there is no reason why the general reader should not find it
interesting and enlightening. Although most sociological terms are
defined, a basic acquaintance with sociology is assumed.
No author can claim to be free of bias, and no such claim is
made here. However, an attempt has been made to be dispassion-
ate and detached, although perhaps not always successfully.
The subject of social stratification in American society is so emo-
tionally "loaded" that it is difficult to remain objective.
Social Inequality has a number of multi-faceted goals. One is
to acquaint the student with the field of social inequality by
presenting past and present theoretical positions and empirical
findings. Hopefully, this has been done in such a way that some
synthesis has been achieved and some order created out of chaos.
Furthermore, the book focuses on a relatively neglected area in
the American stratification system-social caste. Most sociologists
tend to ignore or to treat cavalierly the relationship between social
ranking and race, age, sex, religion, and ethnicity.