American Class Structure in an Age of Growing Inequality

In this Eighth Edition of his acclaimed and thought-provoking text, author Dennis Gilbert explores historical and contemporary empirical studies of class inequality in America through the lens of nine key variables. Focusing on the socioeconomic core of the American class system, Gilbert describes a consistent pattern of growing inequality in the United States since the early 1970s. In this search for the answer to why class disparities continue to increase, Gilbert examines changes in the economy, family life, and politics, drawing on vivid first-person accounts to illustrate the human emotion wraped up in class issues.

New to This Edition

Updated data on income, wealth, earnings, occupation, poverty, class segregation in residential patterns, and politics are woven throughout the text

Enhanced learning aids include a revised glossary and annotated lists of suggested readings at the end of each chapter

New instructor and student resources include a password-protected Instructors Teaching Site and an open-access Student Study Site.

Intended Audience

The American Class Structure in an Age of Growing Inequality, Eighth Edition, is intended as a core text for Social Stratification, Social Class, or Social Inequality courses in departments of sociology.