Privilege: A Reader

Privilege is about more than being white, wealthy, and male, as Michael Kimmel, Abby Ferber, and a range of contributors make clear in this timely anthology. In an era when 'diversity' is too often shorthand for 'of color' and/or 'female' the personal and analytical essays in this collection explore the multifaceted nature of social location and consider how gender, class, race, sexual orientation, (dis)ability, and religion interact to create nuanced layers of privilege and oppression. The individual essays (taken together) guide students to a deep understanding of the dynamics of diversity and stratification, advantage, and power.

The fourth edition features thirteen new essays that help students understand the intersectional nature of privilege and oppression and has new introductory essays to contextualize the readings. These enhancements, plus the updated pedagogical features of discussion questions and activities at the end of each section, encourage students to examine their own beliefs, practices, and social location.

Michael S. Kimmel is Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies at Stony Brook University where he directs the Center for the Study of Men and Masculinities. His books include Men’s Lives and Manhood: A Cultural History. He is the founder and editor of Men and Masculinities, the field’s premier scholarly journal.

Abby L. Ferber is Professor of Sociology and Associate Director of the Matrix Center for the Advancement of Social Equity and Inclusion at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Her books include White Man Falling: Race, Gender, and White Supremacy, and The New Basics: Sex, Gender and Sexuality. She is also co-organizer of the national White Privilege Conference and the Knapsack Institute, and editor of the journal, Understanding and Dismantling Privilege.