Privilege: A Reader

Innovative and thought-provoking, this timely anthology expands the concept of privilege in America beyond the traditional limiters of being white and male. In addition to readings from well-known authors in the field, this edition includes pieces from contemporary scholars breaking new ground in superordinate studies. Seventeen carefully selected essays explore the multifaceted aspects of privilege: how race, gender, class, and sexual preference interact in the lives of those who are privileged by one or more of these identities. Written from a variety of viewpoints, personal and analytic, the essays in this volume help students understand that “race” can mean white people, “gender” can mean men, and “sexuality” can mean heterosexuals.

Michael S. Kimmel is professor of sociology at the State University of New York, Stony Brook. His books include Changing Men, Guyland, Men's Lives, The Politics of Manhood, Manhood in America, and The Gendered Society. He edits Men and Masculinities, an interdisciplinary scholarly journal, and a book series on men and masculinity at the University of California Press. He is the spokesperson for the National Organization for Men Against Sexism (NOMAS) and lectures extensively on campuses in the U.S. and abroad.

Abby L. Ferber is codirector of women’s and ethnic studies, professor of sociology, and director of the Matrix Center for the Advancement of Social Equity and Inclusion at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, where she cofacilitates the annual Knapsack Institute, a curriculum transformation institute, and is on the national leadership team of the annual White Privilege Conference. She is the author of numerous books, including White Man Falling and Home Grown Hate.